a P

Ancestral Hall was

of the year, a time to confirm bloodlines, announce betrothals, and solidi

e ceremonial color of our family. My mother, Clara, sat in a wheelcha

voices low as they spread their poison, whispering about my "e

rtbroken ex-fiancé. He stood close to Elder Edgar White, the most senior of

ite, gave a brief, passionless speech from the

ay to affirm the blood of the next generation,

irt stepped forward, his voice

re we proceed, I m

the hall. All e

emains. Miss Alea's recent actions have been... alarming. I fear her bloodline may have been tainted, her

process, reserved for those suspected of mating with rogues or betraying their bl

de their triumphant smiles

h rage. "You... you lie!" she gas

hers. I met Kirt's smug gaz

rgue. I did

clear. "According to the Pack Codex, does a person nominated for a Purit

consulted the large book before him. "Ah, yes. The law stands.

mination. And my challenge is this: you and your so-called Fated Mate, Can

a bond was invoked to break an existing betrothal, Pack law required the marks to be tested beneath the Moonstone Lamp. A true, unsullie

e and Candida had been sl

rowd, her face dra

t will prove you are nothing but fornicators, using the Goddess's name to cover your sordi

and absolute. Sweat beaded on Kirt's forehead. T

lous!" he stammered. "Our

da into my home. You demanded that the White Pack recognize her. You st

fraid? A man who lacks the courage to prove his own purity to the

pers, but not with the Codex open in front of the entire Pack. Slo

ervantes, step beneath the Moonstone Lamp and present your Mate Marks

ing Candida near the side aisle. Her hands flew to her che

spered, her voice

oked from the Moonstone Lamp to the Elders, then to the watc

raping out of him. "I will not allow my m

went deat

Refusal of a lawful Honor Chall

he hall, sharper this ti

t Kirt Bradford accused the first heir of the White Pack without proof, refused to submit his own cl

ickly. Candida lowered her head, trembling, no longer a we

lood Purity Examination against Alea White is de

n. The looks directed at Kirt were no longer

se to her ear. My voice was a rapid, urg

slow curse. Your ring, the one from the Coleman

Her eyes widened in horro

her strength failing as Elois's power in the house grew. She remembered the

s smiling beside my father, and for the fir

n in twenty years i

silver ring from her finger and pressed it into my palm. It was coo

ound it, the metal