Each of them stumbled into a line. Shoulder to shoulder, stumbling and jostling, none of them wanted to know what would happen if they didn't. And what scared them the most, the Unclaimed members within the arena did the same. Their movement was less urgent, but they shared the same uneasy glances that the Firstdawn had.

How scary was the omega to cause that reaction? Did they really push the Zeta too far this time? They didn't get much more time to contemplate their wrongdoings before Zhian was speaking—no, yelling—at them again.

"That," Zhian seethed, "should have never happened. Not to any Phi. Goddess forbid, what if that was a pup? Would you have done the same?"

Their gazes quickly flitted to the ground as Zhian passed, stalking back and forth in front of them. They had yet to witness the Zeta's shifted form, but at that point, they felt they didn't need to. All could almost see clear as day Zhian as a wolf. Teeth bared, fur bristled, and sharp eyes as he glared them down as if they were prey.

"Is your pride so fragile and weak that the smallest slight from a Phi enrages you? Can't take a harsh word or defeat? Are you a pup throwing a tantrum after a toy is taken away? Act like adults, or I have no need for you here! I will happily send you back to your pack, and you can explain to your Alpha why you've returned with nothing to show for it!"

Zhian's next words were aimed at a specific group of werewolves, the ones who had been causing trouble for him since day one. Othe stood slightly behind, looking as if he wished he was anywhere but there.

"Moreover, I am not here for your entertainment! Do you have any idea how disrespectful you've been to me? Looking down at my skill and experience because I'm an omega? You will no longer be allowed to place bets whether on me or someone else, and if caught still doing so, you will be punished however I see fit!" Zhian scoffed. "Indeed, selected from the best. Is my pack a joke to you? May the goddess have mercy upon the Firstdawn if this is how you act within your own walls. How are you not ashamed?"

Guilt pooled into Ev's gut as he felt Zhian's gaze linger on him, heavy with disappointment. For the past month, they had been developing a steady acquaintanceship. Nothing too friendly—it was only out of acknowledgment that they would be working together in the future—but it was enough where he had hoped to know the Zeta a bit better before he left. He knew he was being melodramatic, but it felt as if everything they had built between them for a thriving future was slipping through his fingertips.

Pushing aside the friendship, the Firstdawn needed this alliance with the Unclaimed. The Unclaimed were the closest to their mountain territory and were rich in venison and produce. That was, they were the closest territory that hadn't been taken over by the Everborn. It was no secret that the Unclaimed were looked down upon by other territories due to being founded by rogues, but with the ever-looming threat of the Everborn, none of that mattered in the end. In times like these, their packs needed to remain allies.

Ev stepped out of the line and went down on one knee, his head hanging as low as it could.

"Zeta Zhian, on behalf of the Firstdawn, I apologize for our wrongdoings and disrespect towards you. You have been nothing but patient with us and have taught us more than what was promised when we were initially presented with the exchange. Please, if there's any way this could be mended, it would be an honor to stay and continue to learn under your command."

Ev missed the way surprise washed over Zhian's face, his mouth falling ajar before he clicked it shut. The familiar look of understanding returned as Zhian walked over to Ev, his hands gently cupping under the latter's elbow to nudge him upwards.

"You may stand, you don't need to kneel for me," Zhian said. There was no smile on his face, but his eyes were grateful. "Thank you."

Discontent returned as Zhian looked back at the rest of the Firstdawn. He was infinitely calmer than before, but there were distinct lines of pity.

"Be ashamed. Your peer and future leader had to apologize for your own behavior." He could see Han and Soleva swiftly approach from the corner of his eye, Arc and Rion hovering behind anxiously. "Go directly back to your dorms and stay there until mealtime. We will be deciding what your stay will be like from now on, if it will continue at all. Dismissed."

Without question, some of the Firstdawn turned to leave—even the Unclaimed followed—but there was an indignant sputter from the end.

"You haven't even let us say anything in defense!"

It didn't take much for Zhian to round on his heels, sending a fierce glare at the offender.

"I have been tolerating this behavior for weeks. What can you say that will justify your actions?"

The offender opened and closed their mouth, gaping like a fish before scowling.

Seeing that they had nothing to say, Zhian jerked his head to the side. "Get out."

And they did. On their way out, Cal came up behind Ev, setting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Great job back there. You did the right thing." Cal's gaze stared hard at the back of Othe's head as he continued lowly. "But we wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for a certain few. What do you think is going to happen?"

Ev glanced back at the arena. They were far enough away that he couldn't make out any expressions, but he could still see Zhian's stiff posture as he talked with the Unclaimed's Alpha and Delta.

His mentor and father, Ev reminded himself.

"I don't know," he finally said as he faced forward again. Cal hummed in response but said nothing more.

Oof. That was a rough one. What do you think the outcome will be? Will the Unclaimed let the Firstdawn stay or force them to leave? I say we have a vote. 😉

Speaking of votes, don't forget to leave a vote and comment! It really means a lot to me!