I nodded, trying to draw strength from his words. But as we were forced to our knees in front of Donk, I couldn't help but wonder if this really was the end.
Donk circled us slowly, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Any last words before you meet your fate, traitors?"
I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze defiantly. "Just this, Donk. What you're doing isn't strength. It's fear. True strength comes from compassion, from working together. Someday, the pack will see that."
Donk's face contorted with rage. "Enough!" he roared. "I've had enough of your poisonous words!" He turned to Beta Jerome, who stood nearby. "Jerome, bring me the thorns. It's time to end this."
As Jerome moved to obey, I saw movement in the crowd again. Stella was pushing her way forward, something clutched in her mouth. W
