A deafening silence enveloped the space that a pin could be heard if dropped. The elder's words lingered in the air.
If the Alpha chooses to place her at his side... then she must join the Hunt.
Hunt? What was it? Wasn't that a ritual? I didn't want to partake in that.
I turned toward Hades, surely he would refuse. He would tell them I wasn't a wolf and I couldn't participate.
"No."
Relief flooded me. Hades' voice was calm and firm but when I looked at the elder, he wasn't intimidated.
"Alpha—"
"No."
The single word carried enough authority to make several people lower their heads. Hades stepped slightly in front of me, it was a subtle movement but yet it didn't go unnoticed.
"She will not participate."
The elder folded his hands behind his back.
"Then perhaps she shouldn't stand beside the Alpha before the pack."
Whispers erupted immediately. I felt the tension spread through the gathering. I moved back a little uncomfortable. The elder continued.
