ROME
The two families stood on the stage, arranged the way tradition demanded—Windsors to the right, Pendragons to the left. Power beside power. Obligation beside obligation. In just a few minutes, my fate was meant to be sealed.
My fists clenched inside my pockets as my father addressed the crowd. He spoke of numbers and futures, of dwindling birth rates and alliances between packs.
But I knew what this was really about.
Me.
“We encourage everyone to interact with neighboring packs and see if your members are a good match,” he said. “Despite pregnancy rates being low last year, I have great hopes for the new year.”
A polite murmur rippled through the crowd.
Then my father glanced at me and gave a final nod.
“With that,” he said, “my son has something to announce.”
I exhaled sl
