(Ashina POV)
Blackfang opened its gates to me before midnight, not because they loved me, but because guilt makes cowards desperate for someone to blame.
I rode through the courtyard wearing white silk, a black feather crown, and the blue shawl I had stolen from Daciana’s room.
The wolves stared at me with fear, shame, hate, and confusion, which were all useful emotions when properly fed.
Hrolf rode behind me with his arm bandaged, his face pale from pain, but his loyalty still sharp enough to make men step aside.
Adolphus had vanished again after visiting my moon cell, leaving only orders, riddles, and the old hunger to prove myself worthy of his name.
Father always wanted results more than tears.
So, I brought him a pack.
The great hall had been cleaned since Daciana’s rejection,
