en

n her cheek. The eyes of her entire pack were

he Examination will be held. But know this, Arden. If you are

erms," I replie

ropose?" Elean

"I request the servi

er, now retired. She was famously incorruptible and fiercely traditional. To question her

emingly in humble contemplation. In reality, I was r

ound to temporarily numb a Heal

sense the new, strange connection I shared with the Lycan King. A bond formed in the

ocean. "It will be done. And Arden...

nclair, my mother. Another piece

d into my hand. I palmed it, my fingers closing around the cool leather. As I brought my hand up to br

e hair braided in an intricate crown. Her eyes, pale and sharp, missed nothing. They rested on me f

announced, her voice

uare. She took my hand. Her skin was dry

she gripped the railing of the dais. She

thumb, pressing the Hush Dust from under my nail against her skin. It was odorless,

A faint, golden light en

as not invasive, but it was thorough. It sifte

e and strong. But thanks to the Hush Dust, it would feel... solitary. Unboun

ual audit of my physical purity. It found nothin

olute. The only sound was the win

ped open. The golden light

d her voice, clear and ringing with an

soul and before the ey

f held th

nclair is pure. In

stumbled back, her face a mask of disbelief.

not just disproven.

d Jocelyn. The ice in my eyes was gone. In i