city

mons came from Eleonora. I was t

f Carlisle Alphas and Lunas stared down from portraits on the wood

d armchair by a crackling fire. She

," she said, her voice devoid of its us

," I replied, my gaze respectfully low

drew out a necklace. It was an antique, a heavy silver chain leading to a pendant of mil

day," Eleonora said, her voice softening with memory. "Your ceremony wa

surprising weight of the necklace as she fastened it

ers for a brief moment, "this will serve as a symbol of your place here. I will speak to th

ain. It was an incredible show of support. An

d concern. "I am so grateful. But with my new authority, I began to look into the sup

yes sharpene

id, choosing my words precisely. "And... I noticed that Donn's personal expenditures

ly presenting facts. Letting

ing. She knew Gwyn was indulgent, but this was gross

ve while Ansel lies ill. If the pack learns that the man expected to stand near the line of succession spends more on hi

tightened around th

the bonding ceremony, the territory is already asking whether Donn has discipline, honor, or judgment. If these l

the room

de. I let it sink in b

however," I said. "There is anot

gaze lift

... about Lady Gwyn's past. About the man she was

boo. The persistent rumor that Gwyn had been with another man before her

e white where she gripp

nocently. "But rumors do not die when a family look

sequence, people will begin to connect old gossip with new disgrace. They will say his conduct proves he was never tr

threatened his legitimacy by blood. Two separate weaknesses, both leading back to the

e fire. The only sound was the crackling of logs and

, she had to tighten her grip on Donn. To silence the rumors abou

hips of ice. "Leave me," she commanded, her v