Dorian stood on the elevated platform overlooking the courtyard where the pack had gathered for the public punishment.
The morning sun cast harsh shadows across the stone ground, and the air was thick with anticipation as wolves from all ranks assembled to witness justice being served.
He kept his expression cold and impassive, the perfect mask of an Alpha King who demanded absolute obedience from his subjects.
His eyes found Willow immediately despite the crowd. She stood in the center of the courtyard with her wrists bound to the punishment post, her small frame trembling visibly even from his distant position.
Her dark hair had come loose from its usual tight bun and fell around her face in messy strands. Even from here, he could see the tears streaming down her cheeks and the way her body shook with barely suppressed sobs.
