Chapter 2

A furious voice thundered, "Kneel!"

The next morning, before dawn had even broken, two wolf guards seized me the moment I stepped out of the side wing and dragged me to the Elder Hall.

Richard Chapman sat high on his stone seat, a wolf-head cane planted between his knees.

He was infamous for his temper, and the jagged scar across his face made him look even more vicious.

"A mongrel with impure blood dares reach for the Luna's crown." His roar echoed through the hall.

I was forced to my knees on the freezing stone floor.

Pure-blood nobles ringed the chamber, watching me like spectators at a bloodsport.

Isabella stood beside Richard, a smug grin curling her lips.

Arcas sat on the throne off to the side, chin propped on one hand, expression detached.

I protested, "Grand Elder, the Alpha King himself declared me his fated..."

"Silence!" Richard slammed his cane against the floor with a thunderous crack.

He added, "Fated mate? That is a sacred honor the Moon Goddess grants only to pure-bloods.

"A wolfless waste like you doesn't even deserve to speak those words."

He rose and pointed his cane at my face, "Your parents were stripped of their noble titles for producing a wolfless child like you, exiled to the Wastes, and fed to the beasts.

"Not only did you survive, you had the shamelessness to crawl into the Alpha King's bed.

"Disgusting."

Laughter roared through the hall.

I closed my eyes.

The memory of that blizzard ten years ago flooded back, when my parents were torn apart by beasts on the Wastes while shielding me.

Blood soaked into the snow.

"Don't you dare insult my parents!" My eyes flew open, fixed on Richard.

"Oh? She talks back?" Isabella sauntered forward, voice dripping with mockery.

She addded, "Grand Elder, since she insists she's a fated mate, why not let her test her wolf soul?"

She held up the Soul Stone, a rock as black as ink, and brought it before me. "Make it glow even the tiniest bit, and we'll acknowledge your claim. Fair enough?"

The Soul Stone could only be lit by those carrying a wolf soul in their bloodline.

How could a wolfless nobody like me possibly light it?

This was nothing but a public execution in front of the entire pack.

I looked toward Arcas.

He hadn't moved. He didn't even lift his gaze, "Go ahead. Let everyone put this matter to rest."

A wave of cold washed through me.

I reached out and pressed my hand slowly against the Soul Stone.

The stone was cold and lifeless.

Nothing happened.

The laughter in the hall swelled louder.

Someone said, "As expected. She's worthless."

Another echoed, "Not a shred of wolf soul. She's a disgrace to our kind."

Isabella leaned close to my ear and whispered, her voice venomous, "See? You're less than garbage."

Without warning, she seized my wrist and slammed my palm down onto the Soul Stone's jagged edge.

"Ah!" I cried out and yanked my hand back.

Searing pain ripped through me. A gash split open across my palm and blood poured out instantly.

"Oh, Selene. How clumsy of you." Isabella stepped back, hand over her mouth, the picture of innocence.

She added, "I was only trying to help you press harder. Who knew you'd cut yourself like that..."

Blood dripped onto the white stone floor, drop by drop.

I raised my head and looked at Arcas on his throne.

He finally frowned.

But there was no concern in those eyes, only distaste.

He stood, brushing off his sleeve, "Pathetic.

"Grand Elder, the farce is over. I'm taking her back."

He didn't ask about my wound. He didn't spare me a second glance. He simply turned and walked out.

I clutched my bleeding hand and stumbled after him.

I pleaded, "Your Majesty, my hand hurts..."

He stopped and looked back at me, "You can't handle this much pain?

"How are you going to take real blows for me in the future?"