[Meredith].
I straightened my posture, trying to keep my expression calm. Still, the words stung because they were true, even though they were not new.
The Council of Elders, the other Alphas, even the families that made up the core of Stormveil's power—they had never approved of me.
To them, I was the cursed daughter from the Moonstone Pack. The wolfless disgrace who brought dishonour and weakness wherever she went.
And although I was no longer the fragile girl they remembered, the truth was, their opinions still mattered, not to my pride, but to my future and the milestone I am meant to achieve.
I wanted to be recognized, but for the right reasons. I don't want it to be because they feared Draven's authority or because they pitied me. I want it to be because I have earned my place here.
Yet, Valmora's voice still lingered in the back of my mind—her warning like a cold breath against my thoughts.
