The duel happened at moonrise.
Silverfang wolves gathered in a wide circle in the central courtyard, forming a living wall of bodies beneath the pale glow of the rising moon. Torches burned along the stone perimeter, their flames bending in the cold mountain wind. The night smelled of iron, pine, and anticipation.
Mira stood between two guards near the front of the crowd.
Her heart beat hard against her ribs, but her face remained calm. She refused to show fear in front of a pack that already doubted her existence.
The bond pulsed unevenly in her chest.
Ryker stood across the clearing, removing his cloak and handing it to Beta Kellan. He wore simple fighting leathers, dark and unadorned. He looked like a warrior rather than an Alpha.
Garrick stepped forward from the opposite side. Hi
