The Moonstream flooded my vision with glowing script:
[Can't the cursed omega see the Alpha is calling her out?! Just submit already and yield the Trial victory to our precious one!]
[The Alpha only offered tribute to judge this Rite—all for the true-blooded female!]
[Making excuses won't help. Once they check the ward-view, the cursed one's going to be exposed as a thief and a liar!]
[Our girl comes from such a struggling pack and has to hunt her own way through training. She's really had it rough!]
I let my gaze drift to the moon-silver cuff wrapped around Vesper's wrist—worth fifty thousand in tribute value. The flowing white ceremonial dress she wore was crafted from silkworm cocoons blessed under three full moons—easily eighty thousand. The bone-carved pins in her hair, etched with protective runes—six thousand each.
My brow furrowed in confusion.
Struggling pack?
Hunting her own way through training?
Were they speaking of Vesper?
She was adorned more richly than I was—and I was the actual high-born daughter of the Ashford bloodline!
Anyone who had ever worked with sacred pigments knew how easily the wolf-ash and herb mixtures stained fur and cloth during the creation process. That was why most scent-artists wore rough-spun, easily replaced garments. But Vesper...
Watching the Moonstream shower praise on Vesper's "admirable dedication," I found myself without words.
Before I could speak, Vesper's tears began falling, one after another, tracking silver lines down her pale cheeks.
"I know you're a high-born omega who doesn't care about a small tribute offering like this," she said, her voice trembling like a wounded pup. "But this award is my provision for the entire season cycle. I truly cannot lose it."
Her eyes rimmed red, and then—she dropped to her knees before me, baring her throat in false submission.
"I know you switched the ritual paintings because you wanted first place. I'll yield the title—you can have it. But please, I'm begging you, give me back the tribute stores." Her voice cracked into a whimper. "If you want me to create works in your name in the future, just ask. You didn't have to steal what I made with my own hands."
If I dipped my head in agreement with her tale, I would be admitting guilt before the entire Council.
I kept my voice as steady as I could manage. "As far as I know, training provisions cost twelve thousand in tribute per season. You could trade any one of those luxury adornments you wear and cover it easily. Besides—I have no interest in winning a traditional scent-painting Trial. Why would I switch anyone's work?"
Vesper's expression went rigid for a heartbeat. Then she turned toward Kael, her face crumpling into wounded innocence.
"I didn't acquire any of this myself. They're gifts from those who care for me—they carry meaning. Even if I starved through a harsh winter, I could never trade someone's heartfelt gesture for mere stores." Her lip quivered. "All I want is to earn my own way through my craft."
"I'm not trying to steal the title from you. Please—just return the tribute to me."
She cried until her voice went hoarse. Something soft flickered in Kael's amber eyes. "You foolish, gentle creature..."
The other young wolves closed in around me, their accusations sharp as bared fangs:
"Vesper is on her knees begging you—what more do you demand?"
"I cannot stand high-born wolves who throw their pack's resources around and steal other wolves' creations."
"Making her return the tribute isn't enough. She needs to be cast out of the Trial!"
The Moonstream erupted in righteous fury:
[Can this wretched omega just be culled already?! She's forcing our precious one to kneel! Poor sweet Vesper, I'm howling in grief!]
[Thank the Moon Mother the Alpha is going to expose her for switching the paintings and restore the title to the true female!]
[The best part comes later—the Alpha never forgets how our girl was humiliated. He pretends to court the cursed one, then rejects the mating bond at their Claiming Ceremony! Her whole pack loses standing, their hunting grounds are challenged! The Alpha rallies allied packs and drives her accomplice parents into ruin until they throw themselves from the cliff-edge!]
I stared at that final stream of glowing words.
My vision blurred red at the edges.
The Moonstream erupted:
[By the ancestors—can she actually SEE us?!]
I wrenched my gaze away, pretending I had noticed nothing.
When I showed no reaction, the comments settled:
[There's no way a side character can perceive the Moonstream. Have you lost your mind?]
[She's just a stepping stone for the destined pair. Her whole bloodline deserves to fall!]
Rage churned in my chest, hot and bitter as wolfsbane.
I had never harmed anyone in my life.
So why in the name of the Moon Mother should I pave the path for Kael and Vesper's fated bond?
