Chapter 143

Victor's POV

The atmosphere in the hall was charged as the split second before lightning struck. I could see the strain on Olivia’s face, the fear in Lidia’s eyes, and Alexander’s towering form, a rampart guarding them both. But my own frustration surged like a raging inferno. I could not allow Beta Adam to speak about my family this way.

Stepping forward, I injected all the authority I could muster into my voice. “Elders, esteemed pack members, you know me as a leader who values fairness and justice above all. If we descend into accusations and violence, we risk everything. We’ve already lost one leader. Let’s not lose our unity.”

Adam snarled, looking like he might leap at me, but Samuel interjected again. “Victor speaks with wisdom. We must approach this with clear heads.”

“Wisdom?” Adam sneered. “Or cowardice? Hiding behind words while the truth is buried in lies.”

“Adam,” I growled. “This is not about cowardice. It's about keeping our pack whole. If you believe so fervently