A Different Kind of Strength

Asher stood still, watching the crowd's anger grow.

'She's clever,' he thought. 'She's turning my actions into a weapon to control the crowd.'

He hated being used like this, but part of him couldn't deny the truth in her words.

The Elders had let their pride guide them, rejecting his help when it was offered. That choice had doomed their people to unnecessary suffering and deaths. 

Now, they stood before him, their proud expressions replaced with guilt and shame.

None of them could meet the eyes of the furious beastkin.

'It wasn't my decision,' he reminded himself. 'It was theirs.'

The silence after her speech hung heavy in the air. All eyes were on Asher, waiting for him to validate her claim.