Chapter 81: Assuming Command

The chaos around me was palpable—wolves shifting and running to their positions, shouts of orders blending into the frantic noise of preparation.

The once calm Silverwood had erupted into a hive of activity, and in the center of it all, I stood, the weight of leadership pressing down on me like a boulder.

I had always known that one day I might have to lead, but not like this. Not with blood still warm on my hands, with Elder Wren’s lifeless eyes haunting me. Yet, here I was, and there was no turning back.

“Luna, what are your orders?” Maxim’s voice cut through the noise, pulling me back to the present. His expression was tense, his eyes searching mine for the resolve I had to show.

“We need to secure the perimeter,” I said, forcing my voice to steady. “Alaric’s forces will target our defenses first.

We can’t let them break through. I want scouts posted at every entrance and a rotation of guards at all times.”

Maxim nodded, already moving to relay my orders, but I caught his arm. “A