Selena returned to Bloodfang before sunrise.
She spoke nothing of Alpha Kael or Hollow Valley. Not yet. Some truths needed time… and caution.
But as she stepped into the packhouse courtyard, she felt it immediately,a shift.
Wolves moved differently around her. Not in awe… but in unease.
> "What happened while I was gone?" she asked Rhea, who met her at the gate.
Rhea's jaw tensed. "The Elders called a council meeting last night. Without you. Damien was there."
Selena's breath stilled. "He's supposed to be exiled."
> "Apparently, the council believes stripping him of his title was enough. He came back claiming he wants peace."
Selena's eyes narrowed. "And they believed him?"
> "They're scared of you, Selena. Your power. Your bloodline. They'd rather deal with the devil they know."
Later that afternoon, Selena stood before the council, a semi-circle of gray-furred wolves and cold eyes.
> "Selena White," one of the Elders began, "you've drawn unwanted attention. Shadow marks. Rogue sightings. Forbidden magic."
> "I didn't summon any of it," she said sharply. "I stopped it."
Another Elder stepped forward. "And yet, trouble follows you."
Damien stood in the shadows behind them, a faint smirk on his lips.
Selena's fists clenched.
> "What exactly are you accusing me of?" she asked.
> "Of being unstable. Unfit. Dangerous," the lead Elder replied. "We propose a binding. A power seal, to keep your abilities in check until the threat passes."
Gasps filled the chamber.
Selena took a step forward, her aura tightening like a coil.
> "You want to seal me?" she asked, voice deadly quiet. "After everything I've done to protect this pack?"
Damien spoke then, voice smooth. "It's for your safety. We all know power like yours can… slip."
Selena turned to him slowly. "You should worry less about mine slipping, and more about yours drowning you."
Her eyes flashed silver, and for a second ,just a second,the walls trembled.
> "No one seals me," she said. "And if you try… you'll see just how dangerous I can really be."
She walked out, head high, fire burning behind her every step.
But as the doors shut behind her, she knew:
She was no longer just their future.
She had become their fear.