The courtyard did not move.
Not one wolf spoke.
The ripple of energy that had surged from Aria moments ago still lingered faintly in the air like the echo of thunder long after lightning strikes.
Several of the gathered Alphas stared openly now.
Not with curiosity.
With calculation.
Damien felt it immediately.
His arm slid protectively around Aria's waist, drawing her slightly closer to him.
Instinct.
Possession.
Protection.
Aria was still trying to understand what had just happened.
Her heart raced, but not from fear.
The warmth inside her had changed again.
It was no longer just a quiet pulse.
It felt… awake.
"Aria," Damien murmured softly near her ear.
"I'm okay," she whispered.
But the truth was she wasn't entirely sure.
Across the courtyard, Liam slowly stepped forward.
For the first time since the council began, the Alpha looked unsettled.
His golden eyes moved from Aria… to Damien… then back again.
"You felt that," one of the Alphas said quietly.
