The night after the assembly settled over the estate like a slow breath released from exhausted lungs, and the old stone halls that once carried the rigid silence of command now held a quieter atmosphere, one filled with murmured conversations, tired laughter, and the subtle relief of wolves who had finally begun believing their lives would not always revolve around the constant shadow of fear.
Alessandro stood alone on the wide balcony outside his private office, the cool wind brushing his dark hair while the moon hung low over the forest beyond the estate walls, casting silver light across the distant hills where the pack's territory stretched like a living heartbeat beneath the night sky.
For a long moment he said nothing.
He simply watched.
Watched the patrol fires flicker near the tree line.
Watched younger wolves crossing the courtyard below with casual steps instead of rigid discipline.
