"Wait, that's true—this rite is just a regional trial. Kael has always competed in inter-territory championships."
"His pack's dominion is vast, and he's already established as a master rune-scribe. Why would he cheat?"
"What would he even gain?"
Doubt flickered across Selene's face. Her gaze slid toward me, uncertain now, her wolf instincts warring with her hatred.
But Darian's lips curled into a mocking sneer. He jabbed a claw-tipped finger toward my face.
"Need me to spell it out for you?"
"It's for the guaranteed bloodline placement!"
His voice turned razor-sharp. "You all think this rite is just about rankings and tribute prizes. But the grand champion gains a guaranteed position within the Ancient Moon-Keeper's Academy."
"That's something no amount of territorial competitions can secure!"
Gasps swept through the hall, the scent of shock permeating the air.
Selene's eyes filled with disgust. "Even if you claw your way into an elite academy through dishonor, you won't survive the first moon cycle. And besides—" She smiled coldly, her fangs glinting. "Your true nature is about to be exposed."
When my expression didn't waver, she pointed at me, voice dripping venom.
"We'll see who's howling in defeat when the evidence is laid bare!"
A group of uniformed Council investigators approached, one of them holding up a scrying crystal.
"This contains the complete record—the ritual creation process and the submission procedure. We're here to settle this dispute once and for all."
The lead investigator turned to me. "You're Kael Nightforge, the one who was reported for oath-breaking?" His tone was clinical, professional. "I'll ask you one final time: Did you swap another wolf's ritual work to secure guaranteed academy placement?"
Darian and Selene exchanged gleeful looks, practically vibrating with anticipation as they waited for the scrying evidence to destroy me.
I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw my own wolf spirit.
"I was granted exceptional bloodline admission last year," I said flatly, spreading my hands. "Why would I swap ritual sigils to get admitted... again?"
