The more she thought about it, the more deliberate it seemed. As if it wanted her to taste that power, to feel how intoxicating it was, so she would begin craving it. So she would willingly siphon more vitality from the others next time, not out of necessity, but out of desire.
It was manipulation.
And it was frighteningly clever.
The entity likely understood her deepest insecurity right now, and that is her anxiety over her dormant wolf. She had never shifted even once. That alone was enough to raise suspicion. If the others began questioning her ability, or worse, her legitimacy, their support could waver.
In their race, strength was law. Power commanded loyalty. Weakness invited doubt.
By granting her borrowed strength, strength comparable to someone with an active wolf, the entity was offering her exactly what she feared she lacked. It was tempting her with stability, authority, and confidence.
But at what cost?
