I walked beside Vincent toward the ceremonial grounds. The wound from the wolfsbane still burned, but I feigned strength because Jacob had made it clear that if I didn't obey, I would lose Lina.
Vincent carried himself like a young king, his golden eyes bright with self-importance, his spine rigid with pride. As we passed through the crowd, murmurs rose like mist under the watchful moon.
"He already moves like an Alpha."
"Is that his mother with him?"
"No, that's his aunt. Janice."
"The same one who abuses him and his sister? Why is she even allowed up there?"
Vincent either didn't notice the whispers or relished them. He strutted up to the platform, basking in the attention.
I kept my eyes fixed forward, the sting of their words pressing against my chest like stones. But I remained quiet. Any reaction would be seen as guilt. Any emotion would become another weapon used against me. I was there because I had no other choice.
At the edge of the gathering, I spotted Lina standing near Flora. Her wide eyes flicked between faces, restless and uncertain. She didn't wave. She didn't smile. She merely watched, mute and motionless, understanding that even a whisper of defiance could earn her punishment.
The priest, robed in ceremonial black and silver, raised his hands to quiet the assembly.
"Tonight, under the eye of the moon, the heir of Alpha Jacob comes of age. Let the pack bear witness as Vincent takes his place among us."
Applause rolled through the crowd.
The priest turned to me. "Janice, guardian of the heir, remove the ceremonial shoes. Let him step forward into manhood."
I lowered myself, knees aching, and reached for Vincent's foot. Without hesitation, he crushed my injured hand beneath his heel. The pain ripped through me, sharp and hot. I swallowed the cry that surged to my throat as fresh blood soaked through the cloth. He stepped back just as quickly, leaving a wet crimson stain blooming beneath the bandage. He bowed to the audience, eliciting another round of cheers. The rite had ended.
I wanted to leave. But Jacob's gaze from the high seat pinned me in place. I followed the others into the banquet hall, each step hollow, each breath a slow act of endurance. Inside, laughter echoed from all sides. Toasts rang like chimes. Vincent sat at the head table, soaking in admiration. Haley, ever the loyal shadow, giggled beside him, twirling a butter knife between her fingers.
Across the room, Lina sat beside a young omega woman, untouched food before her. She never took her eyes off me. Even when her cup tipped and water spilled into her lap, she didn't flinch. I offered a small smile, to make her believe I was all right, even if I wasn't.
Then Katherine arrived.
Her entrance drew every eye. Without hesitation, she took the seat beside Jacob and placed a hand on his arm, as though it had always belonged to her. Haley beamed. "You're so pretty! I wish you were my mom."
Jacob gave a faint smile.
From across the table, Flora smirked. "Far better than those other women who bore stray pups."
I kept my expression neutral, though my knuckles whitened beneath the cloth napkin.
"I'll excuse myself," I said, rising as calmly as I could. "I need to use the restroom."
Outside, the air is a bit colder. My lungs expanded with relief as I took a few minutes to cool down, but it was short-lived. A sharp ‘thunk' broke the silence, followed by childish laughter. Curious and cautious, I followed the sound to the training yard.
And froze.
Vincent and his friends were playing a twisted game, arrows in hand, laughter echoing as they fired toward a living target I couldn't yet see. I moved closer and horror gripped me. I didn't know why she was there, but I found Lina stood against the far wall, arms bound behind her back, a crude chalk circle drawn around her head. Her small frame shook, barely upright.
Vincent raised his bow.
The arrow struck her shoulder.
She staggered, blood blooming beneath the torn fabric. The boys roared with laughter. One slapped Vincent on the back. But Lina didn't cry. She looked at him, eyes burning, and with a low snarl, rammed her wrists against the post. The rope snapped. She lunged forward and struck Vincent across the face. He stumbled back, stunned.
The boys closed in, shouting, grabbing, dragging her down.
That was when I moved.
"Get your hands off her!" I roared, seizing one of the boys and hurling him away. Lina clung to me as I shielded her, baring my teeth. "Touch her again and I'll—"
"Janice!" Jacob's voice thundered across the yard.
I turned. He stood at the entrance with Flora and Katherine beside him. Behind them, more wolves arrived, onlookers drawn by the commotion. Lina's blood soaked into my sleeves.
"What is going on here?!" Flora gasped, her voice exaggerated.
"She attacked him!" one boy shouted. "She hit Vincent!"
"She bit me!" Another cried, holding his wrist.
"She was the one tied up!" I snapped. "They used her for target practice. Vincent shot her. Look at her shoulder!"
"She provoked them," Flora said coldly. "That child is unstable. Just like her mother."
My nails dug into the dirt. I wanted to scream. But Lina trembled in my arms, anchoring me. Jacob's eyes swept the yard, Vincent rubbing his cheek, the other boys nursing small wounds. Then he looked at Lina.
"Take the boys to the healers. Their injuries need tending," he said. "And bring Lina to the west backroom. No chains."
"She needs a healer," I said, my voice shaking. "She's bleeding."
He turned to a guard. "See to her wound."
"And then?" I asked, rising to my feet, heart pounding.
Jacob's face remained unreadable. "Then I'll decide what punishment to give her."
As the guards stepped forward, Lina clutched my sleeve tighter. I glared at Jacob, fury rising like fire through my throat.
"Thank you," I said coldly. "I'll treat her wounds myself."
I immediately left, not minding their calls. Because I know if I stayed here one moment longer…, I wouldn't survive what I might do next.
