A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Liv panned her gaze over the crowd of shapeshifters in front of her. Most of them were frowning, their brows furrowed with a mix of anger and suspicion, while others glared at her with open hostility. A few appeared weary, their eyes heavy with fatigue and resignation.

Astrid's eyes flickered with a dangerous mix of glee and hatred as she glanced at the gurgling, tongueless Sigurd. The only thing that would have been more satisfying than the sight of her mother humiliating him like this was if she could have done it herself.

Meanwhile, Frostfang and Erik took position next to Liv, showing their support. Even Frostfang showed no hesitation in this. At this point, he just wanted this thing to be over, so he could focus on rebuilding the Enclave into a safe home.

Finally, after waiting a moment to let the tension rise, Liv spoke up with a determined expression. "People of the Enclave," she began, her voice carrying the weight of a leader. "Our histories are fraught with conflict. We've never truly seen eye to eye, with each side vying for control over Finnmark."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the crowd. "But what Sigurd attempted was beyond despicable. My goal had always been to unite Finnmark against outside threats and rule with fairness. But Sigurd sought only to dominate and destroy. On behalf of the Dominion, I offer my deepest apologies."

Her head bowed slightly, a gesture of remorse without compromising her dignity. In the end, she realized Erik was right, and she really couldn't blame herself too much. But she did have to apologize on behalf of the Dominion.

The murmuring of the crowd showed their appreciation for Liv's gesture, despite the continued frowns and hostility.

She raised her head to pan her gaze across the crowd again, "Now I'd like to give the word to your leader."

When a large number of shapeshifters shifted their gaze between the two werewolves next to Liv, Erik pursed his lips a little. It was clear much of the Enclave still didn't see him as their real leader.

'But that's fine for now,' he thought to himself. 'I'll leave soon anyway. I'll just need to make sure Frostfang remembers whose in charge, even after I leave…'

But that was a problem for another time. For now, he stepped forward and frowned. At the same time, he instantly created steps of ice under his feet that allowed him to stand even higher, and tower above both Liv and Frostfang. Clearly, he was making a point.

His gaze was authoritative and domineering as it swept over the crowd. At the same time, he amplified his second-ranked pressure with his spatial element, and released his aura across the crowd.

Suddenly, the shapeshifters felt an invisible pressure bear down on them from above, making them tremble a little. Whispers fell silent, and Erik immediately became everyone's focus.

Looking around, Erik saw mainly respect and fear in their eyes, and a small smile appeared on his face. It felt good.

With everyone's attention on him, he opened this mouth. "I know I haven't been much of a leader to all of you," he admitted, his voice resonating with authority. "Yes, I am Runa's son, and yes, I am powerful, but I realize I still only arrived a few days ago. Meanwhile, Frostfang has proven his right to lead you with his years of service in that role. Enjoy new tales from empire

I, on the other hand, have done very little to proof myself."

Suddenly, a female voice exclaimed from within the crowd, "That's not true! You saved us from the Dominion! Even if you won't let us take revenge, we are free and alive because of you!"

Her words quickly caused a wave of agreement to spread across the crowd. Reminding them of his actions caused his favourability among the Enclave to rise exponentially, making Erik smile slightly. When he looked in the direction of the voice, he could see Nora winking playfully at him.

Raising his hands, he quickly got the crowd to calm down again, before nodding. "Thank you. But while that is true, I realize there is still a long road ahead, and that is what we are here to talk about today."

He indicated to the vampire standing next to him, "Me and Liv have come to an agreement. In return for allowing her the chance to bring judgement to those within the Dominion ultimately responsible for allowing Sigurd to run rampant, she and the Dominion's remnants will leave Finnmark to the Enclave and travel south. From today forward, Finnmark will officially belong to the Enclave!"

As his voice trailed off, he allowed a moment of silence while this news sank into the crowd. A crowd that was filled with stunned shapeshifters. Even Frostfang snapped his gaze to the side, looking at Erik and Liv with surprise.

The silence stretched, tension crackling in the air, until it was broken by a single, tentative cheer. Then another joined, and another, the sound building like a slow, rumbling wave. The initial shock gave way to a rising tide of jubilation, as realization set in. Finnmark was theirs.

Cheers erupted, growing louder and more fervent. Shapeshifters roared their approval, some raising their fists in triumph, others embracing one another. The entire assembly buzzed with an electrifying energy, the sheer joy of freedom and victory sweeping through them like wildfire.

The last few days had been an effort in tension and uncertainty as no one knew how this situation would eventually play out. Sigurd was captured, but he was also still alive, while a massive army of vampires and ghouls was still gathered in front of the town.

But now, the tension and uncertainty was broken, and it caused wave of joy to spread. Finally, they would be truly safe and free. There were no other threats in the surroundings, as even the Council was focusing on other things right now.

Capitalizing on the crowd's excitement, Erik spread his arms with a wide grin on his face, "Thus, today will be judgement day!"

Seeing that as her que, Liv walked up to the gurgling Sigurd with a eager grin. Knowing what was going to happen, Sigurd frantically shook his head and tugged on the chains holding him, but it was no use. Slowly, a blazing ball of orange fire was forming on top the vampire's hand.

Seeing what was happening caused the crowd to become quiet again as they watched with bated breath the fate of the most hated man in Finnmark.

The tiny sun on Liv's hand was causing Sigurd's skin to crawl as she approached him. Her sun affinity was exactly what made her such a dreadful force among vampires, and today, Sigurd would be reminded of that fact.

"Rot in hell, you rat bastard," Liv smirked with a mixture of sadistic pleasure and satisfaction. The blazing ball of orange fire in her hand crackled ominously as she crouched in front of him and looked into his eyes while slowly pressing her blazing sun against the man's chest.

Immediately, Sigurd began to roar and scream in pain. His third-ranked voice echoed across town, reaching the ghouls and vampires gathered outside, so that even in Alta they could hear his roars through the ghoul's ears.

The sight of his torment sent shudders through the onlookers—some in fear, others in grim satisfaction. Slowly, under the gazes of all around, his body was reduced to ash.

Until only silence remained.