ALFRED POV

The bright morning sun painted my whole study in gold and orange. I stood by the window and watched as the stadium fill up with wolves from every territory, with the air buzzing with excitement.

Andre stood behind me, with a roll of parchment in his hand. “The schedule is set, Alpha. Alpha Kael opens with his demonstration. Then three rounds of qualifying matches. Then the midday break with refreshments in the north pavilion.”

“Security?”

“Tripled. Every gate watched. Every corridor patrolled.” Andre adjusted his glasses. “Marcus is already at the stadium, overseeing all the final arrangements.”

Then a loud trumpet blast echoed through the castle walls. Long...