Lucas gave a firm nod.
Dennis looked between them and shrugged, then took a respectful step back from the spotlight.
Zoe turned to face the crowd, inhaling as if trying to breathe in the entire Northern region. Before her stood hundreds of people.
"People of the North," she began, eyes sweeping the crowd, "I thank you for being here today."
A few heads tilted in curiosity.
"I know that for a long time, you have lived in fear," she continued. "Put down and ignored by the king who was meant to serve you. I understand your anger, your caution, and your mistrust. And I carry them with me too. In here." She pressed her hand gently to her chest. "I am grateful to Alpha Lucas for even considering me to be your Alpha Queen. But…"
Here, she paused.
"I cannot take the throne."
A collective gasp rustled through the crowd.
Lucas blinked, turned slowly to Dennis.
