Chapter 209

Olivia's POV

As we made our way toward the Elder's Hall, the whispers followed us like an insistent wind. My newly heightened senses picked out every word, every murmur. Once, these whispers would have burrowed under my skin, eating at my confidence. But now, with the power of the spirit wolf surging through me, I walked tall, shoulders squared, my chin lifted high.

"She's the spirit wolf now," one woman whispered, her tone filled with awe.

"Do you think she can really protect us from the dark rogues?" a man murmured doubt lacing his words.

"It’s all a charade. We're doomed," another voice, laced with fear and scepticism, spat out.

I felt Aura rise within me, bristling at the disbelief. *we will prove them wrong* I cautioned her silently.

As we approached the grand doors of the Elder's Hall, my eyes caught sight of Reed lounging in the waiting area with a relaxed confidence that seemed almost disconcerting. He sprang to his feet the moment he saw me, striding over with a triumphant s