The trial hall of the Sacred Court was silent beneath the full silver moon.
Light streamed through the ceiling, casting a pale glow across my shoulders. I stood at the center of the council dais, beneath the Marcus banner. The silverred hue glowing softly at my collarbone confirmed it—my dual power fusion had succeeded.
I was now the first of my kind.
Before me, Ethan knelt on one knee.
He had removed his Alpha robes and wore only a simple black shirt. In his hands was a velvet box.
"As the head of the Marcus pack," I said coldly, "I hereby grant you absolution."
He looked up, stunned. “You… truly forgive me?”
I descended the steps, stopping just in front of him.
“But on one condition.”
I opened the box and drew out a leather collar. Its clasp was engraved with my sigil.
“From t
