POV: Bea Sharpe

Helena caught up with me outside the dining hall.

"I heard you challenged Ben to a pack duel."

"Word travels fast."

"Bea, that's not the solution here. Fighting him isn't going to make you feel better."

"Maybe not. But at least it's honest. No manipulation, no schemes, just straightforward combat where we both know the rules."

Helena grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop and face her. "This is my fault. I shouldn't have gotten involved, shouldn't have tried ...