Chapter 46

The verification process took three days of intense work. Peter proved invaluable, using his network of traders and merchants to cross-reference Daniel's numbers. Helena sent runners to the settlements, gathering independent records of tribute payments and pack expenditures.

Every piece of evidence they collected confirmed Daniel's documents. Blackthorn had been systematically embezzling from Ravenwood's treasury, funneling resources to his allied packs in exchange for political support.

"It's actually brilliant in a horrible way," Ruth observed when she arrived at the ore deposit camp on the second day. She'd traveled from the refugee settlement after hearing about Daniel's defection. "He took just enough to enrich himself and his allies,...