For some, shame burned hot in their chests.
They had mocked her and doubted her. Yet here she was, not only standing unbroken but pulling their Alpha... their unstoppable Alpha... back from the brink with nothing but her voice and her tears.
Others looked conflicted. Respect was there, but so was unease. Could a Luna who wept so openly really guide them? Or was her strength something different from what they had expected?
One of the younger werewolves, who had earlier muttered,
"A blind Luna is a burden we can't carry", stepped forward. His voice was unsteady but loud enough for all to hear.
"...Luna. I was wrong." He bowed low, forehead nearly touching the dirt. "If you could tame even our Alpha's madness, then maybe… maybe you're stronger than any of us realized."
Gasps followed. His words cracked the dam of silence.
