Kaelen POV
Fear has a smell.
sharp and sour. It makes your heart race and your hands shake. Shadows seem bigger, sounds louder, like something is always right behind you.
Most wolves don't realize it, but I do. It has a sharp edge to it, like iron and ash. It crawls into the air and clings to skin.
The arena was thick with it.
The elders tried to hide it behind authority and ancient words, but I could smell the truth bleeding through their robes. They weren't outraged.
They were terrified.
Of her.
I stepped fully into the circle, placing myself between Sylvara and the guards. Chains hung uselessly in their hands now. None of them dared move without permission, and I made sure they understood anyone who dared would have his neck ripped off.
"She fought by your r
