Selene piled on, her voice cold as winter frost: "Elder Duskthorn, I offered five million in tribute to this rite. Not so I could watch you play favorites and manipulate outcomes from the shadows. My prize allocation needs to go to someone who actually earned it through honor."
The other contestants joined the chorus:
"So the adjudicator is allied with Kael Nightforge's mother? No wonder he had opportunity to swap the ritual marks!"
"What a dishonorable scheme. And he calls himself Alpha-born? More like a parasite feeding off common wolves!"
Darian fixed Elara Duskthorn with a stubborn stare. "I demand a review of all rite entries! And I demand that Elder Duskthorn—who's clearly protecting him—step down immediately!"
Elara remained silent. I spoke before she could.
"On what grounds are you demanding a review?" My voice cut through the noise. "On what grounds are you demanding Elder Duskthorn step down?"
"Based on nothing but your baseless accusations? Do you have any idea how much burden you'd be placing on the Academy servants?"
"You keep speaking of being some poor rogue who suffered hardship, but you don't hesitate to make life miserable for wolves who actually serve this institution."
"Yes, Elder Duskthorn is my mother's ally. But she hasn't done a single thing to shield me. If you want her removed, you'd better present actual evidence."
I could tolerate Darian slandering me—after all, it was nothing but speculation.
But dragging an innocent wolf like Elara into this? That was unforgivable.
Her bonded mate, Rowan Duskthorn, suffered from a failing wolf-heart. He survived only through constant healer rites and costly moonstone treatments.
She'd refused my mother's offer to help cover the healing costs, insisting she'd handle the thousands in monthly treatment fees herself.
That was why she treasured every position, every additional duty. She never complained. Never sought pity.
I wasn't about to let Darian destroy her.
The moment I defended her, Selene let out a mocking laugh. "Touched a nerve, did we?"
"What's wrong—afraid we'll find proof of your little sigil swap once we investigate deeper?"
Darian clenched his fists, his expression twisting as though he'd finally reached his breaking point.
"All I wanted was for you to return the prize so I could pay my rite fees and remain at the Academy. That's all. But you've pushed me too far. Now you must face consequences."