Ella

I’m dying. The strength and determination required to remain serious after Kieran’s announcement is staggering. I desperately want to laugh, but something tells me that would undermine this victory.

I can feel Sinclair’s amusement through our bond, though he looks as cool and intimidating as ever. “You brilliant, devious, glorious little minx!” his voice sounds in my mind, full of the laughter missing from his face.

I send him an elated giggle in return. The best part of seeing Kieran’s embarrassment is knowing Damon will take the blame. My pulse races with excitement as I share this. You noticed Kieran didn't say no, right? He asked about strategy and "didn't commit," but he never refused… how much do you want to bet he genuinely considered it before being so mercilessly insulted?

"I know," Sinclair confirms, positively glowing with pride. "I think your prank just stole a powerful ally from under Damon's nose, trouble." He's right. I have no doubt Kieran was tempted and just needed confirmation it was a safe bet… but he'll never work with Damon now.

No wonder he was in such an odd mood today. I reflect, wishing this dinner would end so we can celebrate.

I sense Sinclair preparing to stand and thank Kieran for his allegiance, to deliver a speech inspiring the other pack leaders to pledge their support. The momentum is with us, and Kieran was our toughest sell – if he's on board, it's only a matter of time before the others join. We both feel this is the opportunity we've been waiting for—the perfect time to go big or go home.

However, before Sinclair can move, the FrostFang Alpha also stands. "I admit, I have my opinions about how you handled this, Kieran," he begins, giving Kieran a piercing look. "But I cannot fault your conclusion. I was inclined to support this effort from the beginning, but this week has surpassed all expectations." His gaze swings to me. "Ella, your wisdom, grace, and compassion for those affected by Damon's violence and greed are an inspiration. You are living evidence of the Goddess's wishes for our future, but you are more than that. I'm certain you would never join an unworthy cause. To oppose you would be to oppose justice, and I will not betray my values."

The Alpha continues, turning to Sinclair. "Dominic, I've always admired your dedication and principles. Meeting you, seeing your strength and power firsthand, has been humbling and heartening. I doubt I'll ever meet another wolf of your caliber—unless perhaps it's your son." He smiles genially, nodding to my round tummy. "You haven't pressured or manipulated us, despite the urgency. You've educated us about Damon's threat and allowed us to witness the events firsthand."

"You've done very well. Even if I didn't feel so warmly towards you and your Luna, what we've seen and heard these last few days would have been enough to convince me to oppose the usurper." His countenance hardens as he surveys the other pack leaders, many of whom nod in agreement. "Any wolf who would cause his people such torment is unfit to lead. Any Alpha who would risk the existence of all shifters by breaking the secrecy pact—overturning our way of life for a thousand years—cannot be allowed to gain power. And any King whose avarice is so great he cannot be content with a single empire will turn on his allies as soon as his enemies are defeated. When that time comes, there will be no one left to help those who stood with him."

The FrostFang Alpha builds to a crescendo, his voice rising with passion. "We saw Damon's vision for the future today in revolting detail, and I have no intention of letting him spread that nightmare. We must defeat him, so I pledge my allegiance to Dominic and Ella. I consider any Alpha who refuses a traitor."

Cheers and growls of agreement erupt as the other Alphas stand, each declaring their commitment to defeating Damon. Soon, only Sinclair, Gabriel, Roger, Henry, and I remain seated, surprised by the sudden wave of support. I suppose this has been building, hidden by their poker faces, but perhaps today was a turning point. Perhaps even the hardest hearts cannot remain unmoved by such suffering. Maybe they were waiting for Kieran to choose a side, so they wouldn't be alone if they refused to help… maybe a simple, diabolical prank accomplished what no words could.

"Well, damn," Sinclair observes, smiling broadly. "I thought I'd have to make a speech. You stole my thunder, Ethan." The group laughs heartily, and Sinclair gracefully rises, buttoning his suit jacket as he raises his glass. "I'm incredibly moved by your support. I'm infinitely grateful for your allegiance, and I vow to honor your sacrifices and live up to your expectations." He squeezes my hand, and I feel pure love through our bond.

"I've always considered this war bigger than us—bigger than our pack and people. I wish that weren't the case. I wish Damon weren't the monster he is, such a threat. I wish he hadn't cost us so many lives." Sinclair's eyes shine, and I send him a flood of encouragement, overwhelming his guilt with support. "But I couldn't wish for better allies, and I promise to never take you or your people for granted. I hope our refugees leave your shores soon, but even after we're gone, we will never forget your kindness and support. We can never repay your generosity, and you will always have friends on the Royal Continent."

Gabriel stands, raising his glass. "To our alliance—to ridding the world of Damon and building the future the Goddess envisioned when she brought this wonderful she-wolf into the world." He smiles, gesturing to me.

The others echo his toast, and I take a sip of Sinclair's wine to seal our agreement. I can't wait to discuss this, but my mate isn't finished. He turns to the Storm Forest Alpha, a lethal expression on his face. "Kieran, did you ever tell Damon whether you would join him?"

Kieran flushes. "No, but I swear on my mate's life, my allegiance is yours."

"Oh, I believe you," Sinclair reassures him. "I was thinking there might be an opportunity to infiltrate the enemy camp. I have spies, even some in prominent roles. But Damon needs more fighters; he wants your army, and it would be advantageous to have a double agent commanding his reinforcements."

"You want me to go back to him and accept?" Kieran clarifies.

"Exactly," Sinclair confirms, a devious glint in his eye. "Tell him you've thought about it and decided the Vanaran throne is worth the risk, but you want to be intimately involved in his war planning if your men's lives are on the line. Pretend you're on his side, collect intelligence, undermine his plans, and turn your soldiers against him when the time comes. Are you up for it?" He pins Kieran with his gaze, daring him to refuse.

Kieran levels him with a blazing look, filled with bloodlust and a thirst for vengeance. "It would be my pleasure."