Chapter 105

*Isabel* Relief coursed through me as the applause from the pack subsided. I hadn't realized just how scared I'd been of their rejection, until now. I stood rooted to the spot for a few seconds as their voices began rising in murmured congratulations. They were smiling - at me. A rogue. An outsider. And they weren’t just tolerating me - they were welcoming me. The first to approach were the council members, the expression on their faces a mix of warmth and formality. Jade reached me first, her dark eyes glinting with a rare softness. She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a hug that was both surprising and comforting. “I knew you’ve always belonged here, Isabel,” she whispered, her voice low enough that only I could hear.