"You tampered with that moon-witness recording, didn't you? Your name is Ravenhart, and so is his? You two are working together to steal my uncle's territory and succession rights!"
Dorian Ravenhart's expression shifted, but he maintained his composure. "Young Stormshadow, I understand your distress, but this was Alpha Fenris's own decision. If you harbor doubts about its validity, I suggest you petition the Pack Tribunal or request an Elder Inquiry. Violence will resolve nothing."
I released my grip on him and immediately sent word to the Pack Enforcers.
When the Tribunal Sentinels arrived, they examined the moon-witness recording with their truth-scrying abilities. They confirmed the recording was authentic—no splicing, no illusion-craft, no manipulation of any kind.
Furthermore, their investigation revealed that Dorian Ravenhart shared no blood-bond with Alaric Ravenhart whatsoever.
The two had never even crossed paths before. Today marked their first meeting.
My mind went blank.
Where had everything gone wrong?
My uncle had sealed his blood-oath will just one moon-cycle before his death. How could he have suddenly changed his intentions?
The lead Sentinel looked at my stubborn, disbelieving face and spoke in a tone that was half lecture, half mockery:
"Young wolf, perhaps look within yourself for answers. You must have failed in your duties to him. Whether it's your uncle or your own sire—if an Alpha is displeased with his heir, it's his right to bestow his territory and succession upon whomever he chooses."
A crack split through my thoughts like lightning.
My own sire?
I turned sharply toward Alaric Ravenhart, and a terrifying possibility began to take root in my mind.
I was forcibly removed from the estate I had called home for over twenty years.
As they escorted me out, I slipped away unnoticed with something Alaric had left behind—the remnants of a blood-herb pipe he'd been smoking.
The moment I passed through the territory gates, I rushed to the Healer's Hall and retrieved the blood sample my uncle had stored there. Then I went straight to the Bloodline Verification Chamber.
The wait for results stretched my nerves to breaking.
My uncle had lived his entire life with honor and restraint. Despite controlling vast territories and tribute networks, he never indulged in excess.