---- Chapter 6 "The Bloodline Trial will now commence!" The second-in-command's voice boomed through the grand temple. Three days had passed. I stood in a hidden alcove behind the throne, watching the scene below through a thin veil. All the great Alphas were present. Damon stood in the front row, dressed in his formal Blood Moon attire. Lyla clung to his arm, the sapphire necklace that belonged to my mother still around her neck. Everyone else who had participated in my humiliation was there too. Marcus, and the mates of the other Alphas who had cut me with their daggers. They all looked relaxed, whispering to each other. ---- Clearly, they thought there would be no consequences for what they did. Kael sat on the throne, his presence as solid as a mountain. "T have gathered you all today to discuss the alliance of the wolf packs," he began. "But before that, I have an old score to settle." The atmosphere in the temple instantly tensed. "At the banquet three nights ago," Kael's voice was ice cold, 'I witnessed some... unpleasantness." Damon and the others exchanged glances. "Your Majesty, if you're referring to that woman," Damon stepped forward, "it was alla misunderstanding." "A misunderstanding?" Kael repeated the word. "Yes," Lyla added, her voice full of feigned grievance. "We were merely disciplining an insolent outcast who didn't know her place. She desecrated your tribute, and as your loyal subjects, we couldn't just stand by ---- and do nothing." "Disciplining," Kael nodded. "An interesting choice of words." Marcus also stepped up. "Your Majesty, you must understand our position. That woman claimed to be your mate. If a lie like that goes unpunished, it could damage your authority." "So you cut her flesh with silver daggers?" Silence fell over the crowd. "Your Majesty, we..." another Alpha tried to explain. "And forced her to eat dirt?" Kael continued. "That's because she was so arrogant!" one of the Alpha's mates couldn't help but shout. "She's nothing but a discarded bitch, yet she dared to impersonate the King's mate!" Her voice echoed through the temple. Realizing what she'd just said, her face went pale.