Chapter 54

“Osric,” I greeted, forcing a hint of confidence into my voice.

He studied me for a moment, his gaze penetrating.

“You’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, aren’t you?”

I sighed, unable to hold back my frustration.

“I don’t know how my father did this, Osric. It feels like every decision I make creates another problem. I’m trying to hold the pack together, but it feels like no matter what I do, someone else is unhappy, someone else has doubts.”

He nodded, his expression thoughtful.

“Leadership is not about pleasing everyone, Elara. You know that. It’s about making the choices that are best for the pack, even when they’re unpopular.”