Chapter 22: Beneath the Shadow's Grasp

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the stronghold, tension hung thick in the air, palpable with every step they took. Samantha could feel the weight of Alpha Marcus's ultimatum pressing down on her, the enormity of the decision they were about to make settling heavily on her shoulders.

"We can't let him bully us into submission," Adrian muttered under his breath, his jaw clenched in determination.

Samantha nodded in agreement, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plan. "We need to find another way to protect our pack," she replied, her voice firm despite the uncertainty gnawing at her insides. "We can't sacrifice our autonomy for the sake of temporary safety."

Lucas, who had been walking silently beside them, spoke up. "But how do we fight back against an Alpha as powerful as Marcus?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "We can't afford to underestimate him."

Samantha paused, considering Lucas's words carefully. He was right—they couldn't afford to underes