The early morning sunlight filtered through the blinds in Regina's office at Town Hall, casting long shadows across the room. The usually pristine desk was cluttered with stacks of paper, files, and her ever-present coffee mug, now cold and forgotten. Regina leaned back in her chair, exhaustion etched into her features. She rubbed her temples, trying to dispel the pounding headache that had taken residence since the night before.

The events of the last few days weighed heavily on her. She had spent the entire night by Sabine's bedside, her sharp eyes scanning for even the faintest sign of improvement. Sabine remained unconscious, her breathing steady but shallow. It hadn't even been twelve hours since she was brought in, so Regina knew she needed more time. Yet, the gnawing worry in her chest refused to subside. Leaving Sabine to come to Town Hall that morning had felt like abandoning her, but there was work to be done—and Henry needed to get to school.

Regina glanced at the clock. It was barely 9:30 a.m., and the day already felt endless. Henry had been quiet during the car ride to school, sensing her tension. She had kissed his forehead and sent him off with a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Now, as she stared at the stack of paperwork before her, she longed for even a moment of peace.

Among the papers on her desk were drafts of orders for new positions in Storybrooke's law enforcement. Sheriff Nolan's time was coming to an end, and she had begun preparing to replace him. Despite his best intentions, his decisions had been impulsive, and his disregard for protocol was unacceptable. He needed to step down gracefully, but she knew how fragile pride could be.

Her pen hovered over the draft for a new sheriff appointment. Graham's name lingered in her mind. He was a natural fit for the role—calm, composed, and protective. Yet, his recent silence and the lack of updates from his pack gnawed at her. Could she trust him to manage Storybrooke's safety when he wasn't even reporting back?

Then there was the question of the deputy. Ruby was an obvious choice. Fiercely loyal and competent, she had proven herself time and time again. But Ruby already worked full-time at the diner. Would asking her to take on this responsibility stretch her too thin? Regina sighed and set the pen down, unable to make a decision.

The sharp buzz of the fax machine broke the silence, drawing Regina's attention. She stood and crossed the room, collecting the stack of papers that had just arrived. It was the call log she had requested from the phone company—a detailed list of the anonymous calls that had been plaguing the sheriff's station.

Returning to her desk, Regina skimmed the list. The calls were frequent, erratic, and came from various untraceable numbers. It was clear someone was deliberately trying to conceal their identity, but to what end?

She picked up the phone and dialed the sheriff's station. The line rang twice before Nolan's familiar voice answered.

"Sheriff Nolan," he said, his tone wary.

"It's Regina," she said curtly. "I have the call logs from the phone company. I'm forwarding them to you. I want you to coordinate with me on this investigation from now on."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "Of course, Madam Mayor. But… do you really think these calls are connected to anything serious?"

Regina's tone sharpened. "I don't think it's a coincidence that these calls started right before all hell broke loose in this town. Eden, Sabine, Mason—all of it. I want answers, and I want them fast."

Nolan cleared his throat. "Understood. I'll get on it."

"And while we're on the subject of Eden," Regina continued, her voice dropping to a dangerous calm, "I know you accessed it at night without informing me. That was reckless, Nolan. You broke the rules."

There was a long pause. When he finally spoke, his voice was defensive. "I was following a lead. I thought—"

"You thought wrong," Regina interrupted, her voice rising slightly. "We've had this conversation before, haven't we? You wanted to help people, to work directly with the community, not be bogged down with paperwork and late hours. I agreed with you then, and I still do. But you can't help anyone if your decisions put them at risk."

"I… I understand," Nolan said reluctantly.

"Good," Regina replied, her tone softening slightly. "Consider this: transitioning to deputy would give you more time to focus on the things that matter to you. You'd still be part of the force, but without the burden of managing the entire department. Think about it."

Nolan let out a slow breath. "I'll consider it."

"See that you do," Regina said.

With that, she hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment.

The office felt too quiet. The faint hum of the fax machine and the occasional creak of the building did little to distract her from her thoughts. Regina's mind wandered to Graham again. It had been too long since she'd heard from him or his pack. Were they in trouble? Had something happened?

The bond she shared with her pack was faint, but it was still there—a whisper at the edge of her consciousness. She could feel the others, their presence like distant stars in a cloudy sky. But Graham's absence felt like a void, and it unsettled her.

She stood and paced the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Her gaze fell on the town map pinned to the wall, red pins marking areas of interest. Eden was circled in bold red, a reminder of the chaos it had unleashed.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She grabbed it from the desk and answered.

"Madam Mayor," came Ruby's voice, breathless and urgent. "We've got something. One of the trackers picked up a scent near the northwestern edge of the forest. It's faint, but it could be Mason."

Regina's grip tightened on the phone. "I'll be there in ten minutes. Don't move without me."

She hung up and grabbed her coat, her exhaustion forgotten as adrenaline surged through her veins. The investigation could wait. Sabine's recovery could wait. Right now, Mason needed her.

And Regina Mills didn't abandon her own.

The northwestern edge of the forest stretched before them, dense with underbrush and shadowed by towering trees. Regina stood at the forefront of the group, her sharp crimson eyes scanning the ground. The faint scent of blood lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of moss and damp soil. Ruby crouched nearby, her nose to the ground, following the fading trail.

"It's Mason's," Ruby confirmed grimly, rising to her feet. "But it ends here."

Regina's jaw tightened as her eyes darted across the clearing. It was barren—no signs of a struggle, no footprints leading further into the woods. The blood on the ground was smeared, as though deliberately tampered with to obscure the trail.

"This isn't just a dead end," Regina said, her voice low and simmering with anger. "It's a distraction."

Ruby frowned, her expression matching Regina's frustration. "They moved him. Whoever did this wanted us here, wasting time."

Regina growled under her breath, her fists clenching at her sides. "Then they've succeeded. For now." She turned sharply to face her pack. "We're not done. Split into pairs and expand the search radius. Stay within range. Report back the moment you find anything."

The pack dispersed with a chorus of murmured acknowledgments, their resolve undeterred despite the dead end. Ruby lingered for a moment, her sharp gaze meeting Regina's. "We'll find him," she said, her voice firm. "Mason's tough. He'll hold on until we do."

Regina gave her a curt nod. "Make sure of it."

As Ruby disappeared into the forest, Regina stood alone for a moment, her chest tight with worry and anger. The faint smell of Mason's blood still lingered, a haunting reminder of how close they were and yet so far. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she turned and strode back toward town, her heels striking the forest floor with determined purpose.

Returning to her office was as she had left it—papers strewn across her desk, the cold remnants of her morning coffee, and the faint hum of the fax machine. The weight of the morning's events pressed down on her as she entered, closing the door behind her with a heavy sigh. She had barely sat down when a soft knock interrupted her.

"Come in," she called, her voice clipped.

The door opened to reveal Henry, her father, his warm yet weathered face creased with concern. His presence was a mixture of comfort and complication—a reminder of the past and the burdens he carried.

"Regina," he greeted, stepping into the room. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, taking in her tired eyes and tense posture. "You look like you haven't rested in days."

"Because I haven't," Regina replied dryly, motioning for him to sit. "What brings you here, Father?"

Henry settled into the chair across from her, folding his hands neatly in his lap. "I wanted to check on you—on everything. After what happened last night, with Sabine, Eden, and… the Keepers."

At the mention of the Keepers, Regina's posture stiffened. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "What do you know about them that I don't," she said, her tone probing.

Henry sighed, his gaze growing distant as he searched for the right words. "They're not easily understood, Regina. Their power isn't just in their magic—it's in their manipulation, their ability to control. They don't act without purpose, and when they do, it's always with layers of intent."

Regina nodded slowly, her mind turning over the night's events. "Lumine came to you," she said. "Why?"

"To warn me," Henry admitted, his expression grim. "She spoke of Efron. His… tastes are exotic, as she put it. But what she didn't say outright was clear enough: he's behind the disappearances of several women. And perhaps others."

Regina's lips pressed into a thin line. "Sabine?"

"She fits the profile," Henry said. "But you got to her in time. And for that, I'm proud of you. Protecting someone who isn't directly yours—it shows strength, Regina. Leadership."

A flicker of warmth passed through her, though the weight of her responsibilities quickly replaced it. "And yet Mason is still missing," she said bitterly. "And Graham—his silence is deafening."

Henry studied her carefully. "You think Graham might be connected to the Keepers?"

"It crossed my mind," Regina admitted. "But it doesn't add up. He's never shown any sign of aligning with them. If anything, his loyalty has always been steadfast."

Henry leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "The Keepers don't operate through loyalty. They use manipulation, Regina. They prey on fears, on desires. If Graham were part of them, you'd have seen it in his actions. He would've been more calculated, more… controlled."

Regina tapped her fingers against the desk, her mind racing. "So, if not Graham, then who? What about last night? Sheriff Nolan and Emma disrupted Eden. Could they have been part of it?"

Henry's brow furrowed. "Emma?"

"She was there," Regina said, her voice softening as the realization dawned. "But she wasn't trying to interfere. Neither was Nolan. They thought they were doing the right thing."

"Of course they did," Henry said gently. "Humans like Emma, like Nolan—they see a problem and act on instinct. They don't understand the intricacies of our world, the layers beneath the surface."

Regina leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant. "And now they've inadvertently made things worse."

Henry placed a reassuring hand on hers. "It's not their fault, Regina. But it does mean you'll have to tread carefully. The Keepers don't take kindly to disruption, even accidental."

Henry's gaze softened as he regarded his daughter. "Regina, you have power—more than you realize. That's why they're watching you so closely. The Keepers are cautious because they know what you're capable of. But power alone won't be enough. You need strategy, trust, and alliances."

Regina sighed, the weight of his words pressing on her. "Trust is a luxury I can't afford right now, Father."

"Trust isn't a luxury—it's a necessity," Henry countered. "Even if it's hard. Ruby, your pack, even Emma—use them. They're your strength."

Regina met his gaze, her expression a mixture of determination and doubt. "And what about you? What's your role in all of this, Father?"

Henry hesitated, his eyes clouded with old memories. "I left that life behind to protect you, Regina. But if it comes to it—if you need me—I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

The sincerity in his voice stirred something deep within her—a reminder of the sacrifices he had made, the burdens he had carried for her. She reached across the desk, placing her hand over his.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "For everything."

Henry nodded, his grip firm but gentle. "You're not alone, Regina. Never forget that."

As he rose to leave, Regina watched him go, her mind a storm of thoughts. The path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but her father's words lingered, a steadying presence in the chaos. She turned back to her desk, her resolve hardening.

Regina adjusted the collar of her blazer as she approached the Storybrooke sheriff's station. Her heels clicked against the pavement with sharp precision, her stride deliberate and authoritative. The weight of her father's words still lingered in her mind, compelling her to seek clarity and control over the situation. Emma Swan, the sheriff, needed to be addressed. Regina couldn't afford loose ends—not now, with the Keepers and Guardians closing in.

The door to the station creaked slightly as she pushed it open, stepping inside with her usual air of command. The sight that greeted her, however, stopped her in her tracks.

The office was a mess. Papers were scattered across desks and chairs, mingling with empty coffee cups and crumpled donut bags. A precariously leaning stack of comic books sat on the corner of Emma's desk, alongside what appeared to be a half-eaten apple turnover.

"Wasting tax dollars, I see," Regina remarked, her tone laced with disdain as she stepped further into the chaos.

Emma looked up from behind her desk, where she was reclined in her chair with her boots propped up on the edge. Her piercing green eyes met Regina's with a flicker of amusement. "Morning to you too, Madam Mayor," she drawled. "What brings you to my humble palace?"

Regina folded her arms across her chest, her lips curving into a tight smile. "Your palace looks like it's been overrun by a pack of feral wolves. Though, knowing you, that might actually be true."

Emma's grin faltered, but she said nothing, lowering her boots to the floor. She straightened in her chair, brushing some papers aside to clear space. "If you're here to lecture me about my filing system, you're wasting your time. But something tells me that's not why you came."

"You're right," Regina said, stepping closer. She perched on the edge of the desk opposite Emma's, her sharp gaze never leaving the sheriff's. "I came to discuss what happened at Eden."

Emma's expression sobered instantly. "Eden. Yeah, I figured that'd come up sooner or later." She leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk. "You want to tell me what the hell that was all about? Or are you just here to interrogate me?"

Regina arched an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "I'm here to clarify a few things. Namely, your presence there. Why were you at Eden that night, Emma?"

Emma's eyes narrowed. "Because I got a tip that something shady was going down. And guess what? I was right."

"You acted recklessly," Regina snapped, her voice cool but sharp. "Your interference disrupted a situation that was already precarious."

Emma's jaw tightened, her hands curling into fists on the desk. "Disrupted? Are you kidding me? People were in danger, and I acted. That's what I do."

"Acted without thinking," Regina countered, her tone icy. "Do you even know what you stumbled into, or were you just playing hero?"

Emma rose from her chair, her green eyes blazing with defiance. "Playing hero? Is that what you think this is? Because from where I'm standing, someone had to step up. And if that someone happens to be me, then so be it."

The air between them crackled with tension, the room suddenly feeling too small to contain their opposing energies. Regina felt her blood stir, her senses sharpening as Emma's fiery presence pressed against her own. The bond she had felt before—the strange pull toward the savior—surged to the surface, making her heart race and her breath quicken. She clenched her fists at her sides, willing herself to stay composed.

Emma took a step closer, her voice softer but no less intense. "You're angry, I get it. But you're not telling me everything, are you? What was really happening at Eden, Regina? What are you trying to protect?"

Regina stiffened, her instincts screaming to deflect, to guard the truth. "This isn't about me," she said curtly. "This is about you overstepping your boundaries and jeopardizing lives."

"And yet here you are," Emma shot back. "Standing in my office, lecturing me. Why? If it's not about you, then why does it matter so much?"

Regina hesitated, her composure wavering for a fraction of a second. "Because you're reckless," she said finally, her voice quieter but no less firm. "And because your actions have consequences far beyond what you can imagine."

Emma's gaze softened, her fiery demeanor dimming slightly. "Then tell me. Help me understand, Regina. I can't fix what I don't know."

Regina sighed, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on her. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," she said, her voice tinged with resignation.

"Try me," Emma said, her tone earnest.

For a moment, Regina considered it—laying bare the truth about the wraiths, the Keepers, and the precarious balance of power that hung over Storybrooke. But the risk was too great. Instead, she straightened, her mask of authority sliding back into place.

"I'll help you investigate the disappearances," Regina said, redirecting the conversation. "But on one condition: you follow my lead. No more impulsive actions. Agreed?"

Emma studied her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. But this works both ways, Regina. If I'm following your lead, then you'd better be upfront with me. No more secrets."

Regina forced a tight smile. "We'll see."

As Regina turned to leave, she felt Emma's eyes on her back, the weight of their exchange lingering in the air. The savior's presence was magnetic, pulling at something deep within Regina that she couldn't quite name. She paused at the door, glancing over her shoulder.

"Clean up your office," she said, her tone clipped. "This is still a government building, despite your best efforts to make it look otherwise."

Emma smirked faintly, some of her fire returning. "I'll get right on that, Madam Mayor."

Regina rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the faint tug of amusement at the corners of her lips. She stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflict and uncertainty. Emma Swan was more than she appeared to be—of that, Regina was certain. And whether she liked it or not, their paths were becoming increasingly entwined.

As she made her way back to her car, Regina's mind was already racing with plans. The Keepers and Guardians were still out there, Mason was still missing, and the town's savior had unknowingly become a part of it all. The stakes were rising, and Regina knew one thing for sure: she couldn't afford to lose. Not now. Not ever.

Regina gripped the edge of her desk tightly, her knuckles whitening as frustration surged through her. The meeting with Emma had done little to alleviate the simmering rage and disappointment that churned within her. Every decision seemed to spiral into further conflict—no clear answers, no relief from the incessant pressure. But the gnawing question of Graham and his pack remained. Their silence, their absence—everything about them was an affront to her authority and responsibility.

"They're still mine," Regina muttered to herself, her voice low and resolute. "No matter how much I despise their actions."

She picked up her phone and dialed Ruby's number. The line buzzed for a moment before Ruby's voice came through, steady and alert.

"Regina?" Ruby asked. "What's going on?"

"I'm heading into Graham's territory," Regina said curtly, her voice sharp. "Alone."

There was a pause, then a hint of alarm in Ruby's tone. "Are you sure that's a good idea? After everything—"

"It's not up for debate," Regina interrupted, her words clipped. "I need to see what's going on for myself. They're under my jurisdiction, Ruby. Whatever they've done, they're still mine to deal with."

"Let me come with you," Ruby insisted. "Or at least let the pack—"

"No." Regina's tone left no room for argument. "You and the rest of the pack are to stay out of this. That's an order."

Ruby exhaled sharply, clearly unhappy. "Fine. But be careful, Regina. Graham might not react well to you showing up unannounced."

Regina's lips curled into a grim smile. "Then he'll learn what happens when he forgets who's in charge."

She ended the call before Ruby could protest further, grabbing her coat as she strode out of the office. The air outside was crisp and biting, but it only fueled her determination. By the time she reached the edge of the forest, her human form felt like a restraint she was eager to shed.

The forest loomed before her, a shadowed expanse that seemed to stretch endlessly into the unknown. Regina inhaled deeply, the familiar scents of pine, damp earth, and distant wildlife filling her senses. She allowed the transformation to take over, her body shifting seamlessly into that of a large black wolf.

Her fur was sleek and dark, absorbing the moonlight that filtered through the canopy above. Crimson eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light, her powerful frame radiating dominance. Regina stretched, testing the strength of her limbs, and then darted into the forest, her movements swift and silent.

Graham's scent was faint but distinct, mingled with the traces of his pack. She followed it like a thread, weaving through the labyrinth of trees and underbrush. The northern wind carried other scents—wild animals, decaying leaves, and the faint metallic tang of blood.

Blood.

Regina slowed her pace, her senses sharpening as she followed the trail. It led her to the northwestern edge of the forest, where the trees thinned and the ground was littered with debris. She stopped abruptly, her crimson eyes narrowing at the sight before her.

The area was empty. A clearing where there should have been signs of life—tracks, scents, something. Instead, there was nothing but a pool of dried blood staining the ground. Mason's blood.

Regina growled low in her throat, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Whatever had happened here, it was deliberate. The lack of tracks, the absence of scent markers—it was as though the area had been scrubbed clean. It was a message, one meant to taunt her.

Her growl deepened as she pawed at the ground, her sharp claws tearing into the soil. She raised her head, letting out a short, guttural howl that reverberated through the trees, a warning to anyone—or anything—watching.

Returning to her human form, Regina stood at the edge of the clearing, her hands clenched into fists. She reached for her phone, dialing Ruby again.

"Regina?" Ruby's voice was quick with concern.

"There's nothing here," Regina said, her tone icy. "Nothing but Mason's blood. The entire area has been wiped clean. Whoever did this wanted us to find it."

Ruby exhaled sharply. "What do you want us to do?"

"Continue the search," Regina ordered. "Comb every inch of this part of the forest. Look for anything—scent trails, disturbed ground, anything out of place. Report to me immediately if you find something."

"And you?" Ruby asked hesitantly.

"I'm heading to Graham's territory," Regina said, her voice hard. "If they're involved in this, I'll find out."

She ended the call and turned her attention back to the forest. Her anger burned hot in her chest, a wildfire threatening to consume her. Graham and his pack had defied her authority, and now Mason's blood stained the earth without explanation. She wouldn't allow it to stand. The closer Regina got to Graham's territory, the more the forest seemed to change. The air grew heavier, the trees thicker, their branches intertwining to block out the moonlight. She could feel the weight of unseen eyes watching her, the subtle shift in energy that came from entering another alpha's domain.

But Regina was no ordinary wolf. Her presence alone was enough to make the forest seem to bow to her will, the shadows retreating as she pressed forward.

Graham's scent was stronger now, mingled with those of his pack. She could hear the faint murmur of voices ahead, the sound of wolves moving through the underbrush. When she finally stepped into the clearing that served as their camp, all movement ceased.

The pack stared at her, their bodies tense, their eyes wary. Graham stood at the center, his expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance.

"Regina," he said, his tone carefully neutral. "What brings you to my territory?"

"You know why I'm here," Regina said sharply, her eyes blazing. "Where is Mason?"

Graham frowned, his gaze shifting briefly to the wolves around him. "We've been looking for him, same as you."

"Don't lie to me," Regina snapped, her voice rising. "I found his blood in the northwestern clearing. Your pack was seen in that area last night."

Graham's jaw tightened, his body stiffening. "We were tracking him. We lost the trail there."

Regina's patience wore thin. "And you didn't think to report that to me?"

"I didn't think you'd care," Graham said, his voice laced with frustration. "You've made it clear you don't trust me or my pack."

"This isn't about trust," Regina growled. "This is about responsibility. Mason is missing, and you're withholding information."

Regina's eyes flashed, her voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "This isn't about me or my opinions of you. Mason is missing, and his blood is on your hands until proven otherwise. So I suggest you start talking, or I'll make you."

The pack shifted uneasily, their tension palpable as they watched the two alphas face off. Graham hesitated, his expression flickering with something unreadable. Finally, he sighed.

"We don't know where he is," he admitted. "But I swear to you, we're not responsible for this."

Regina studied him for a long moment, her instincts screaming to push further. But something in his eyes—a flicker of honesty, of desperation—made her pause. Regina's crimson eyes bore into Graham's as the tension in the clearing thickened. The other wolves remained frozen, caught between their loyalty to Graham and the unmistakable dominance radiating from Regina. Her sharp gaze scanned the surrounding pack; none dared to challenge her presence. Even Graham, for all his defiance, averted his eyes momentarily under her piercing stare.

"Step aside," Graham muttered to his pack, gesturing toward the edge of the clearing. "I need to speak with her. Alone."

The pack hesitated but obeyed, retreating to the edges of the clearing, "This way," he said, his voice low.

Regina followed him to the edge of the clearing, where the thick underbrush provided a modicum of privacy. She crossed her arms, her posture rigid as she watched Graham with unrelenting scrutiny. Graham turned back to Regina, his expression grim.

"Well?" she demanded, her tone sharp. "I don't have time for your games, Graham. Speak."

Graham exhaled, running a hand through his hair, his usual air of confidence crumbling under her glare. "The Keepers," he began, his voice strained. "They… approached me."

Regina's eyes narrowed, the glow within them intensifying. "Approached you? When?"

"Months ago. They wanted my loyalty," Graham admitted, his words bitter. "They said they could protect my pack if we agreed to help them."

"And what does 'help' entail?" Regina snapped, her voice dangerously low.

"They wanted us to keep tabs on you," Graham admitted reluctantly. "To monitor your movements, your decisions. And if necessary, to… contain you."

Regina's growl was low and guttural, reverberating through the space between them. "Contain me? You think you could manage that?"

Graham shook his head quickly. "No, of course not. I told them as much, but they wouldn't take no for an answer. They said if I didn't cooperate, they'd… they'd make sure my pack didn't survive the winter."

"You thought aligning with the Keepers was the solution?" Regina's voice rose, her anger clearly shown. "And you agreed?"

"I didn't have a choice!" Graham shouted back, his frustration breaking through. "They threatened everything I've built, everything I've protected!"

"And in doing so, you endangered my pack!" Regina roared, her presence growing larger, more intimidating. She stepped closer to Graham, forcing him to take a step back. "You think I haven't dealt with their manipulation before? The Keepers don't offer protection—they demand obedience, and they destroy anyone who refuses."

Graham's gaze faltered, shame flickering in his eyes. "I didn't think they'd go this far," he muttered. "I didn't think they'd harm anyone."

"That's because you're blind to their true nature," Regina hissed. "And now Mason's blood is on your hands."

Graham's jaw clenched, his body trembling under the weight of her words. "We were trying to find him," he said, his voice quieter now. "I swear, Regina. I didn't know they'd take him."

"Swearing won't bring him back," Regina snarled. "Your negligence, your cowardice—it's a stain on your title as alpha."

Her words cut deep, and Graham visibly recoiled. His shoulders slumped, and for a moment, he looked less like a leader and more like a man overwhelmed by his failures.

"I don't know what to do," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "They've got us in a vice. If we resist, they'll destroy us. If we comply, they'll use us until we're no longer useful."

Regina's anger didn't wane, but there was a flicker of understanding in her expression. "You're right about one thing," she said, her voice cold but steady. "The Keepers will use you. But that's where you've failed as an alpha, Graham. You should have come to me the moment they approached you. Instead, you let fear guide your actions, and now we're all paying the price."

Graham's head bowed, his shame evident. "What do you want me to do?"

Regina stepped even closer, her presence towering over him. "You will fix this by telling your pack the truth," she commanded. "No more lies, no more hiding. They deserve to know what they're up against. And then, you will submit to my authority. From this moment forward, your pack answers to me."

Graham looked up sharply, his eyes widening. "You can't—"

"I can," Regina interrupted, her voice a whipcrack. "You've proven you can't handle this on your own. If you want to survive, if you want your pack to survive, you'll do as I say."

For a moment, Graham looked as though he might argue. But then he saw the unyielding determination in Regina's eyes, the fire that burned with the weight of her responsibility. Slowly, reluctantly, he nodded.

"Fine," he said, his voice subdued. "I'll tell them."

"And one more thing," Regina added, her tone softer but no less commanding. "If I find out you've lied to me again, Graham, I will end you. Do you understand?"

Graham swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. "I understand."

As Graham lowered his gaze in reluctant submission, Regina turned her back on him, her crimson eyes fixed on the shadows of the forest. The weight of her new authority settled over the clearing, a silent promise that the battles ahead would demand every ounce of her strength—and perhaps more than she was ready to give.