The training grounds were cleared within the hour, every other warrior dismissed to give Arianna and Duncan privacy. Marcus and Garrett arrived without being summoned, their expressions grim but determined.

"Dawn is less than eighteen hours away," Garrett said without preamble. "That's not enough time to teach you everything you need to know about combat."

"Then teach me what I need to beat Kael specifically," Arianna replied, pulling off the formal robe she'd worn to the council meeting and changing into training clothes Maya had brought. "You've seen him fight, haven't you?"

"Years ago, at an inter-pack tournament." Marcus was stretching, preparing. "He's good—fast, technical, fights smart rather than relying...