“Abomination,” someone shouted.

“Her father must be ashamed of her that he allowed her to participate in the tournament.”

“She is taboo.” One screamed, throwing dirt at her. Liora's heart bled as she watched their eyes trying to rip her apart.

Draven stood and watched, his eyes scanning through the crowd, staring at Kaelen's shocked features. He smirked

“That's why she had a mask.”

“She also changed her voice, too? Why didn't the other player feel anything?”

“A woman beating our top warrior. Isn't that a bad omen?”

“Moon goddess, please forgive our sin– that we allowed her”

“She's a woman,” another roared.

“A princess, for that matter,” one said.

Wolves surged to their feet in the stands, snarling, spitting, throwing scraps of food and rocks towards the arena floor. Dust filled the air as the mob pressed forward, their outrage justified.

Liora's body locked, every instinct screaming to run. Her hands trembled as stone skidded across the dirt around her. Her wolf whimpered inside her.

“She shouldn't escape.”

“She's a disgrace.”

“A princess was supposed to be watching, not engaging with a sword.”

“Kill her.”

One rock struck her shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through her. Liora flinched, biting back a cry. Her father's pack would not defend her. Even with the man who claimed he loved her. No one came.

A growl shattered the chaos.

Draven stepped forward, his chest heaving with fury. He lifted his sword, slammed it to the ground.

But that didn't stop the crowd's attacks. They threw stones– heavier, faster, and instantly. Draven forced his Alpha aura.

The air itself trembled as wolves across the arena collapsed to their knees, whispering as the weight of his dominance crushed the mob into silence.

Liora staggered under the force, her knees almost buckling, but his hand shot out, catching her elbow, steadying her.

He knew it was her from the beginning, but why didn't he rat her out until she won?

The crowd stilled.

His arm against her arm was firm. He turned his head just enough for her to see the faint curl of his lips.

“No one,” he growled, voice cutting through the stunned crowd. “Touches her”

“You all cheered and clapped for her when she defeated me, and now you want her head. Filthy hypocrites. Not grateful that a woman was able to defeat hundreds of our contestants for this and while you all cheered and spat. She trained and tried. The thought alone is frightening enough.”

“She knows the tradition. A woman can't participate in a fight.” One yelled.

“It is time to abolish such a tradition.”

“Are you insane? This tradition has guided our ascent through time, and you want them to abolish”

“Just like her. We need to kill him, too.”

“She had corrupted him.”

“I see why he was lazy on the field. He knew it was her”

Liora's heart slammed against her ribs. The weight of his aura pressed against her wolf, who whined.

Draven leaned closer, his lips near her ear. “You didn't just become anything. You became a fighter like I always thought you would. Aren't you some cute, obedient little wolf?” His grip on her arm tightened. “ Wrong timing by humiliating me”

Liora's chin lifted. “I beat you fair and square,” even though fear ran shivers down her spine.

“Hmm. Not really a little wolf.” his teeth barred a silent snarl. His golden eyes locked onto hers.

His hand slid down her arm, fingers brushing her skin. “You think you have won? You think this is a victory?” His thumb traced the back of her hand, rough and needed. “You have no idea what you have done”:

Liora jerked her hand back, glaring. “Stay away from me.”

But before she could take a step, his entire body went rigid, his pupil dilated, as if he was in shock, and his golden eyes glowed brighter, locking onto her like a predator scenting blood..

She froze

What?

The word died on her lips as heat crashed through her. Her wolf howled inside her, surging forward, claws scraping at her chest. Her knees weakened as invisible chains tightened around her heart, pulling to bind.

Draven's lips parted. “Mate”

The crowd was shocked at the word.

Liora staggered back, shaking her head violently. “No,” she whispered, horror crawling through her veins. “No, no no no”

Draven's hand shot out, gripping her wrist, anchoring her in place. His gaze devoured her. “Yes,” he growled.

Her wolf cried out in joy, surging against her chest. She clutched her ribs, her face twisting in pain. “ No…..Not you”

From the stands, a strangled sound tore through.

Her heart stopped as she turned. Kaelen

He stood at the railing, his usually calm face not there. His soft eyes widened in disbelief. His lips trembled as though words failed him.

“Liora,” his voice broke, barely audible even to her.

Her throat tightened. Memories slammed into her– him, weaving clovers and that gentle laughter.

Draven tugged her, forcing her to face him. His lips curled into a fierce, humorless smile. “ You were too good for him,” Liora glared at him hard. “You can glare all you want, little wolf. You can hate me, fight me, scream at me,” his hand pressed to her waist, possessive. “But the bond doesn't lie.”

Her chest rose and fell in sharp panic. Her nails dug into his wrist, desperate to pry him off. “Being your mate is a death sentence.” She spat. “My pack will never allow it. And I will never choose you.”

For the first time, his smile faltered. His eyes narrowed, pain flashing for only an instant before fury swallowed it all.

“Then no need* he said. “ That choosing isn't yours to do”

The crowd erupted again– screaming, shouting, and demanding her death, demanding her punishment. The elders tried to quiet them, but their rage surged hot.

Liora stood trembling, caught between two gazes– Draven's golden eyes, devouring her, and a keen, broken state piercing her heart.

Her wolf whimpered, clawing for Draven even as her soul ached for Kaelen.