Beatrice seized the opportunity to escalate the situation. With a scornful smirk, she stepped forward and addressed the crowd. “It’s clear that Sophia’s emotional outbursts are nothing but an attempt to draw attention away from our victory. She’s hiding Matthew to spite the pack, to make us all suffer alongside her.”
The crowd’s mood shifted, their once-joyous expressions darkening as they turned their gaze toward Sophia. Murmurs of agreement spread among the pack members, fueled by Beatrice’s insinuations. Elder Hannah and Lily, another elder who had joined the fray, added their voices to the chorus of condemnation.
“Sophia’s failures have cost us dearly,” Hannah declared, her voice dripping with disdain. “If she had been more concerned with the pack’s welfare rather than her personal grief, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“And what of Beatrice?” Lily added sharply. “She’s shown more dedication to the pack than Sophia ever did. Perhaps it’s time for a change.”