The heavy doors swung open. Warriors filed in. Servants followed, carrying chest after chest of treasure glinting in the torchlight.
“The Pope grants a bonded marriage—”
I lifted my head and heard the words that I would be mated to Vetle.
The chests were opened one by one in the hall—rubies, gold. Ruby stepped forward with a flawless blood-red gem and held it out to me. Her smile was gentle, but there was something hidden beneath.
“Wow...”
A small sigh rose beside me
Lily stared at the glittering wealth with shining eyes, envy practically spilling out. “Nina, you’re so lucky. Everyone loves you so much.”
My breath caught. Lucky?
Cast out of my Pack, whipped until my flesh split, abandoned by those closest to me—was this luck?
I turned. There was nothing mocking in her eyes—only p
