Back then, I had been willing to defy my father for her sake. I had walked away from my birthright and ended up running errands across the city like a common packless wanderer, just to prove I could make my own way.
And after I had cleared seventy thousand in debts she had accumulated—resources I had scraped together through endless labor—she had crawled into the bed of Darius Ashford, heir to the Ashford Pack.
Heartbroken and hollow, I had returned home to accept my place in the Nightcrest succession. I had sworn I would never lay eyes on Selene Frostveil again.
Yet here I was at this gathering of old acquaintances, not only facing this treacherous, status-hungry she-wolf once more, but being publicly humiliated by her. She had used the very debt I had paid on her behalf to grind my dignity into the dirt before everyone present.
This insult I could not swallow.
"Just because you have never tasted it, just because you have never been offered it, does not mean it does not exist." I kept my voice level. "It only means your standing was never high enough."
"I suggest you hold your tongue. When the food arrives, your face will sting enough without adding more words to regret."
"Kael Nightcrest, you—!"
Before Selene could finish her snarl, the chamber doors swung open once more.
Dozens of exquisite dishes were carried in by attendants, each platter more elaborate than the last. The gathered wolves watched with stunned expressions as the feast was arranged across the long table.
Garrick Pineward followed, cradling two bottles of limited-vintage moonwine in his arms. He addressed the room with formal respect.
"The Denmaster has declared that all present tonight are honored guests."
"This evening's consumption is to be waived entirely."
I gave a slight nod of approval. The Pineward steward certainly understood how to conduct himself. Using a single feast to curry favor with the heir of the Nightcrest Pack was a transaction that would cost him nothing and gain him much.
"Please convey my gratitude to Denmaster Pineward. Tell him that I—"
I had barely begun my courteous reply when Selene cut me off with a sharp wave of her hand.
"Kael Nightcrest, who gave you permission to speak on our behalf?"