Meryn is stunned by Siegrid's announcement that the direwolves have chosen Anassa as the new leader of Strategos pack, making Meryn the new Strategos Alpha. She tries to protest, citing her Rawbond status and lack of a Bonded family lineage, but Siegrid shuts her down immediately, making clear that the direwolves' decision is final and beyond debate. As Meryn struggles to process the news, she feels a new wall open in her consciousness—a vast library of ancient knowledge passed through direwolves to pack leaders—which overwhelms her.

Egith arrives and learns of the decision. She is visibly heartbroken at being passed over for an untrained Rawbond and raises concerns about putting Meryn in charge during wartime when the pack is already destabilized by Markos's death. Siegrid acknowledges the valid concern and challenges Meryn to propose a solution. With Anassa's guidance, Meryn suggests that Egith take command at the front, recognizing Egith's superior experience and the pack's trust in her. Siegrid approves the plan but warns Meryn she cannot remain ignorant of battle strategy for long. Egith suggests recalling a Strategos gamma to take over her instructor role.

After being dismissed, Meryn has a meaningful private exchange with Anassa, who confirms they were chosen as a pair and tells Meryn she was born to lead. Meryn apologizes for shutting Anassa out, and Anassa accepts, signaling the end of the rift between them. Meryn steels herself with the mantra "I must, so I will."

Meryn then addresses the nineteen Strategos Rawbonds in their common area. The announcement is met with shock, outrage, and disbelief. Anassa silences the room by projecting her voice into everyone's minds simultaneously—a new alpha power. Meryn asserts her authority honestly, acknowledging her own doubts but insisting the direwolves' choice must be respected and that Egith will lead at the front while Meryn finishes training. Allegra challenges how they can trust Meryn given her relationship with the crown prince. Before Meryn can respond, Stark appears in the doorway, deflects the question by asserting that the Crown's interests align with the Bonded's, and orders Meryn to report to his office at dawn for alpha training.