The tournament council announced the brackets at dawn, and Aurelia knew before they
read her name that Draven had made his first move.
"Aurelia Ashvane, Ironmaw Pack." The elder's voice carried across the Stone Circle,
formal and dispassionate. "Versus Kael Brennan, Ashenmoor Pack."
Not Draven himself. Not yet. But one of his wolves—a message wrapped in protocol,
delivered in front of every pack in the region. I see you. I haven't forgotten. This is still
my game.
Maren leaned close, her breath warm against Aurelia's ear. "Subtle as a brick through a
window."
"He's never been subtle." Aurelia kept her face neutral, her posture relaxed. Around
them, the crowd murmured—some curious, most knowing. The story of the rejected
Beta's daughter had traveled farther than she'd realized. "
