ne

letting the Royal Healer carefully cu

. His chest was rising and falling rapidly

d, Xander. You just didn't care as long as it kept your pack afloat and your pride in

is my mother, Wynne! You humiliated our pack in front

gold paid for," I said flatly, "and then watch, without a

ld confront her later, that you were exaggerating. There was always later." His voice faltered, as if the words sounded hollow even to his own ears. "Serena's dresses were gifts from my mother, and I saw no harm in letting her

blood was running through my veins, growing stronger with every

h my blood. I felt it-an instinct, a whisper-telling me that Xander's threat

itches with Rogues than spend anothe

e. When you discover that without my protection, you cannot survive even in

exactly where he was going. He was going to Se

te to my silver wound. I hissed in pain

sence, retreating back into the depths of my sou

he chamber were pulled back. The gray mor

rply. She carried a silver tray with a

ormal letter to the court this morning. He claims you are suffering from severe jealou

"Let me guess, she play

chuckle. "She practically

of parchment toward me. I picked up a quil

the Rejection. Every stroke of the pen

y name, loud voices echoed i

an Pack! Move aside, guard!"

ak over my bandaged back. I walk

allway. Fiona's royal guards had thei

o not withdraw this Rejection nonsense today, I will have the Obsidian Pack cut off all trad

stepped forward, the coldness in my

a. "Wynne, please don't be so angr

hall. He walked briskly toward us, glaring at me. "Wyn

at and pulled out a fo

Xander said, his voice dropping low. "I found this letter in your

equest, Wynne. Or I will present this to the Supreme Luna

r in his hand. I didn

I slammed the heavy door, the sound of the bolt

ep into my mind, pushing past the pain, until I found the

d the M

called out

voice answered in my head. I am

forming on my lips. Prepare

through my thoughts, soft as falling snow: They thi