ra

as her prize, but she did not

into the palm of my hand, a chaotic rhythm that matched the new, unfamiliar turmoil in my blood. Ever since I felt that strange tremor in the courtyard, I could n

ng trials in the woods today. She was highly allergic to silver dust, a rare condition even among high-ranking wolves, so she had stayed in

ith a soft smile, avoiding any conflict. Today, I just st

, Elara," Seraphina said,

in outside. "I am just t

ened in the woods," she said proudly. "I used the Mind-Link with my guards. Ju

agreed, my

bmission. "I am a high-ranking female, Elara. Even if I must search the vaults of the Ironclaw family myself, I will only

off-but she had no idea she was fighting for a man

en," Seraphina said, her tone mocking. "We're wolves, Elara. Let's settle t

eling an utter lack of interest in the prize she was offering. I shook my head slow

ward and grabbed the lace cuff of my sleeve, pulling it slightly. "Are y

only sound tha

o cannot even Shift," she sneered, dropping my sleeve. "You are just a broken Omeg

my lowly place in the Pack's hierarchy. But I di

rprised her. "You are wrong about him, Seraphina," I said, my voice steady and clear. "Julian

ltering for a second. "What are

step toward her. "Julian's wolf only submits to one

m her face. "He does not want you as a mate," I whispered, ma

escaped my throat before I could stop it, and I shook my head

of my room. "Since we were children, every time we we

owed hard

he best cuts of meat

eated, her voice

, but because your mother is the Luna." I pointed toward the window, toward the dark woods where the tria

yes widened.

knows your Alpha nature craves a strong, dominant ma

with the truth, but her eyes darted back and forth as memories clicked into place, each one a small, sharp betrayal. "He

isted into a dark, simmering rage at being played for a fool. "He thinks I'm just a ste

y," I sai

decreed it must be won, not inherited-he wanted to test our judgment in choosing champions. But I didn't know Julian would use it

he machinations of the court. I let out a long breath, the anger leaving my chest. I shook my

crown. I cried because Julian knew exactly what that ti

ong. "He knew, and he still chose to use it. He threw away

s. "I am completely done with him," I declared. "His amb

n a ladder," she muttered, shaking her head. She looked at me with a fierce determination. "I pro

still wrestling with the sting of humiliation. She believed me, yes, but belief needed

getting the better of her. "If not Julian

flashed in my mind. Kaelen. Instantly, a strange, prickling heat flared at the base of

t," I stammered, tu

mpletely unaware that my soul had already made its choice-and tha