It was already way past noon. The sun had dominated the sky already. I was seated in the large castle hall, and to my left was Racheal, and to my right were Blake and zain, my most trusted friends. I watched as the last ranked pack member of the court strode into the hall while more warriors gaited in large numbers. They all had confused and questioning gazes fixed on me.

As Ummi had instructed, I ordered all ranked members of the pack and every warrior in my pack, including those who were in training, to appear in the hall. Today, Penelope will be judged and punished by myself and...