Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Nadia felt for the guy. He’d given a heck of a fight the night before. “That can’t be easy.”
“He’s diplomatic,” Taryn said. “I think he’ll get his pack in line once things settle here.” She hesitated, then looked directly at Nadia. “Have you decided to align with Caidrik?”
“Yes.” Nadia didn’t hedge. “I think Luca’s a good man and he could make a solid Alpha. But Caidrik’s better for this pack. I’m aligning with him.”
Taryn nodded slowly. “I’m considering aligning with Luca,” she said. “But I’m still not sure you and Caidrik make the best pair. No offense.”
Nadia leaned back in her chair. “None taken.” She met Taryn’s gaze evenly. “But we do work well together, and I’m all in now.” Yeah, she was ready to fight for her man and all of that. The night before had cemented her resolve.
Something unreadable crossed Taryn’s face, then she nodded. “Good to know.”
A knock sounded at the door, sharp and brisk. It opened before anyone answered.
Solomon stepped inside, the grimoire tucked against his chest, Helena right behind him in a dark coat dusted with snow. Cold air rushed in again, curling around their ankles.
“Hello, ladies,” Solomon said. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” Taryn said, waving a hand. “We were just getting a few things straight.”
Solomon gulped.
“That sounds interesting,” Helena said, eyes bright as she looked from one woman to the other. “Are you two going to fight it out?” She sounded almost hopeful.
“No,” Nadia said flatly. “Neither of us think that’s necessary.”
Taryn nodded, her hair falling around her shoulders. “Nadia’s still a little injured from yesterday. It wouldn’t be a fair fight.”
Nadia wasn’t entirely convinced of that, but she let it go. Caidrik had mentioned teaching her a few moves later, and she found herself looking forward to it more than she’d expected.
Solomon’s gaze dropped to the journals spread across the table. “You’re learning to translate.”
“I am,” Nadia said. “I’d like another crack at the grimoire later.”
“Perfect.” He smiled. “I’d appreciate someone double-checking my work. I stopped by Gail’s earlier, but she wasn’t home.”
Oh, that wasn’t her
“I didn’t mean to make you doubt yourself,” Nadia said quickly.
He lifted a hand. “It’s fine. It’s better to have another set of eyes. It’s a shame most of the elders don’t know the language anymore.”
“Yeah,” Nadia murmured, glancing down at the careful notes in the margins. Snow tapped softly against the glass. “I was thinking we should offer classes. For the kids and for any adults who want to learn. I don’t want the old ways to completely go by the wayside.”
Solomon’s expression shifted at that. His shoulders eased, and something bright sparked behind his eyes. “I’d love to teach the old languages. I’ve been meaning to expand the curriculum anyway. This would fit perfectly.”
Helena hummed thoughtfully, glancing toward the journals. “It would be nice to hear children speaking something ancient again. Makes a place feel rooted.”
The wind rattled faintly against the windows, snow sliding off the eaves in soft thumps. Nadia crossed the room and picked up her jacket, the fabric still warm from earlier. Her body felt clearer today, lighter. The lingering fog from the darts was gone, and she knew she could shift if she had to. The silver was still there, though. A quiet ache under her skin that reminded her not to push too hard. Another week, maybe more, before it burned out completely.
Solomon glanced at his watch and straightened. “All right. It’s time. You and Caidrik are due at the lodge.”
That’s what she’d figured. Her stomach flipped, not with fear exactly, but with that tight anticipation she’d started to recognize as part of these trials. Part nerves. Part adrenaline. Part wanting to see how he’d handle whatever came next.
“He’s supposed to meet us at the main lodge,” Solomon continued and then looked at Taryn. “You said you wanted to attend. Normally we wouldn’t allow that, but this is one where the entire pack can watch.”
“Really?” Helena’s brows lifted. “May the challenger’s mother attend?”
Solomon gave a small bow. “Of course, ma’am. At this point, half the territory will be there anyway. We’ll need to gather outside.”
Nadia jolted. Everyone got to join in on her trial with Caidrik? That didn’t seem fair. She had actually been looking forward to having some alone time with him. Sighing, she slid her arms into her jacket and paused, adjusting the cuffs. The room felt warm and steady behind her, and now she didn’t want to leave. “Can you give me a hint what this one’s about?”
“Oh no,” Solomon said, rocking back on his heels, far too pleased with himself. “But it’s a good one. I promise.”
Snow waited outside, bright and unbroken, the sky low and pale above the lodge roofs. Whatever was coming next, apparently the whole pack was about to see it.
Chapter 23