With the center of attention gone, the hall didn't settle. It shifted. Like a restless pack with no clear direction. The silence filled fast, then broke into voices, sharp and messy.
I could feel their eyes before I even turned. Heavy. Curious. Judging.
"They've always been at odds," someone said low, but not low enough. "Now that she's back with the main bloodline, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened."
"I don't think it was jealousy," another voice cut in. "She's not reckless. She doesn't move without reason."
A pause. Then someone else laughed under their breath. "Reason or not, the Alpha looked at the injured one first. That says enough."
The words spread like fire on dry ground.
"If that's the case," another guest added, "then the bond is already shifting. A wife in name only doesn't stay in that position for long."
"Looks like trouble ahead for her."
