The arena was a flurry of movement and noise as the crowd's cheers echoed off the ancient stone walls. But for Juliana, everything felt muted. Standing victorious over Lady Veronica, her mind was already racing ahead to what this triumph meant. She was no stranger to victory, but this one was different. It wasn't just her life or pride on the line—it was her future, her pack, her kingdom.
Hak walked beside her, his hand brushing hers lightly as they exited the arena. The tension in his posture eased slightly now that she was safe, but his sharp gaze scanned the surroundings. He didn't trust the council, not for a moment, and the way they had rigged the duel proved just how far they were willing to go to undermine Juliana's rise to power.
"You did it," Hak said finally, his voice low but
