Bramwell's POV
The winter hunting contest was a tradition.
Three packs, two days, a mountain circuit that tested tracking, endurance, and the particular diplomacy of men and women in close quarters who did not trust each other and had to pretend otherwise. Ironbridge hosted every third year. This was Ironbridge's year.
I despised the hunting contest. I had always despised it. But I had presided over it with the required authority because that was what Alphas did — they showed up for the performance of things and made the performance look effortless.
This year, I watched it differently.
Marcelline was present, in her capacity as Matron of the Guard. She moved through the event with the practiced ease of someone entirely confident in her position. She spoke to the visiting pack alphas,
