Dominic's new request was only a few lines long.
He withdrew every clause in last year's petition related to the mate bond.
He declared to the Alpha King that from that moment on—
the alliance he sought would have nothing to do with his relationship with Seraphina.
In other words, he gave up using that bond to exchange for Nightriver's protection.
Even if the alliance fell through because of it.
Even if Ashfall couldn't survive the winter.
When the news reached the residence, I was brewing medicine.
My hand shook, and the brew nearly spilled over.
Nyx was unusually quiet inside my mind.
After a long moment, she whispered,
"He chose you."
"Between his pack and you, he chose you."
I said nothing.
But my heart was beating fast.
That evening, Caspian summoned me.
Dominic was th
