I've always studied realism rune-craft and territory mapping—not traditional moon-ink sigils.

I only entered this rite trial because my parents mentioned Selene was one of the Council Adjudicators. They specifically asked me to give her a nice surprise.

I registered on a whim. Never intended to place.

Then those strange omens appeared and threw me completely off balance.

Darian wiped his tears dramatically. "You're obviously a repeat offender. All those honors you've won—you stole them too, didn't you? We grew up in neighboring territories. I can't just stand by and watch you keep making mistakes!"

I couldn't make sense of his rapid-fire accusations.

When had I ever stolen anyone's work?

And as for Selene and me "growing up together"—

Our fathers' packs had formed alliance pacts a few times. We'd met maybe three or four occasions at formal gatherings, the last one seven or eight cycles ago.

How did that qualify as growing up together?

The omen-feed calling me her "ex-intended"? That was just pups playing at courtship. Selene and I had never actually been promised to each other.

Yet she'd already pronounced me guilty.

"Withdraw from the rite trial quietly. Hold a public howl and return all the glory that doesn't belong to you." Her grip tightened, claws threatening to emerge. "Otherwise, don't force me to break off our intended mate-claim!"

She was surprisingly strong. She'd dragged me several steps before I could even think to resist.

I frowned. "Intended mate-claim?"

My parents had never mentioned any arranged bonding. They'd always supported me finding my true mate on my own.

What was she talking about?

My genuine confusion must have looked like fear to her.

Disdain flickered in her amber eyes. "If my parents hadn't insisted I get close to you, I wouldn't have spared you a second glance!"

Darian let tears roll down his cheeks, playing the gracious victim.

"If he won't admit it, just let it go. It's only a rite trial. There's always next cycle."

Before I could reiterate that I really did come in last—that I hadn't pulled any tricks—

Selene rushed to shield him, her protective stance unmistakable.

"You come from nothing, Darian! You were counting on winning first place to pay your tribute to the Academy! By next cycle, you'll have been cast out of the pack territories!"

She bit her lip, her face twisted into a mask of anguished sympathy.