Camille did not kneel when I entered Frostmere Hall. I had no interest in winning because someone else was lower than me.

She sat at the neutral table with her advocate beside her and two guards behind. No chains. No missing counsel. No closed evidence file. Everyth

Alaric asked for a private meeting before breakfast. I refused before Marin finished reading the request.

"Reason?" she asked.

"Because he wants a private meeting."

She smiled.

"Legally insufficient."

"Fine. Because every important fact in this case became dangerous

Marcus Vane reached the north field before sunset. Not as a raider. Not as an envoy. As an Alpha with banners. Hundreds of wolves filled the snow below Blackthorn's outer wall. Vane blue. Steel.

Cavalry behind infantry. Siege hooks. Two portable rams. No more deniabilit