4 Stark

In the stunned aftermath of the arena, Stark commands the packs and instructors to resume order and duties, confronting the alarming disobedience that followed the Dire Blade’s shattering. He warns Elinor, Samson, and Daegan to control their packs under threat of his authority, while noting Cratos’s concern that corruption or the blade’s failure disrupted Alpha control.

Cratos senses Meryn’s distress, and Stark rushes to his office to find Meryn injuring herself. He physically stops her, redirecting her urge to harm by offering himself instead, which shocks Meryn out of the spiral. Anassa quietly heals her knuckles; Stark cautions against normalizing harm through easy healing and presses Meryn to resume leadership.

They pivot to governance. Stark insists on a formal coronation to legitimize Meryn’s claim, proposing the Mother Priestess to officiate and Sovereign Alpha Siegrid to attend. He prepares Meryn for partial noble resistance and reassures her that Siegrid’s presence will steady the Bonded, despite uncertainty after the Dire Blade broke and the Siphon-tainted bracelet disrupted her power.

Stark brings Meryn to Matron Alienor to arrange rooms, clothes, and staff. Alienor outlines the Council Palast; Meryn keeps Alienor, the Councilor of Sturmfrost, and Siegrid, dismissing Valtiere relatives without bloodshed. She orders a humane servant policy: any unwilling may depart with pay and references. Rejecting Cyril’s chambers, Meryn accepts the Sovereign Alpha’s rooms as a compromise.

Alienor gently flags Meryn’s inexperience; Meryn accepts instruction and books to study. Afterward, Meryn thanks Stark. He recognizes her potential for just rule yet acknowledges complicity in urging her to embrace darkness in the arena. He vows to be her outlet and protector, then withdraws, conflicted by desire and guilt.