The medical tent fell silent as the last Alpha filed out, leaving an oppressive emptiness in their wake. Lyra's hands trembled as she busied herself with reorganizing supplies that were already perfectly arranged, her movements jerky and mechanical. I stood nearby, uncertain if I should give her space or offer comfort.
It wasn't the first time she'd faced prejudice in the wolf world, but Alpha Kael's words had cut deeper than usual. "Pets," he'd called her. The contempt in his voice had been unmistakable.
"You don't have to stay," Lyra said without looking up, her voice brittle. "I'm sure you have important Beta duties to attend to."
"They can wait," I replied, watching her carefully. Sera's dramatic goddess moment had defused the immediate tension, but underneath Lyra's professional veneer, something was cracking.
