The Grand Council Arena wasn't an arena.
It was a pit.
A huge circle of black stone, 100 feet deep, with no stairs down. Twelve thrones carved from the rock at the top, one for each Alpha King. In the middle, a single white stone where the accused had to stand.
No blanket. No hoodie. No hiding your body.
That's the point.
"They want you to feel small," my mother whispered as we walked in, holding my hand tight. She wasn't allowed in the pit with me. No one was. "Remember Mama River: your thighs are your engine."
I was wearing the red wrap top and black leggings again. Theo carried the Curved Moon banner behind me. Giselle held my pink journal like it was evidence. Jaxon walked beside me, head high, even though every guard was staring at him - the Prince who left his crown to follow a
