Page 107 of The Blood Moon Oath

There’s something in her voice that catches me off guard, something raw and unguarded. I reach up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You’re stronger than you think, Sable. You’ve proven that time and again. Just... stay close to Finn. He’ll keep you safe.”

She hesitates, her gaze flickering to the ground for a moment before meeting mine again. “I don’t need Finn to keep me safe. But I do need you to come back to me.”

The words settle between us, heavy and unspoken until now. I nod, unable to say more without unraveling completely.

The arena is alive with the roaring of the crowd, the sound echoing off the natural amphitheater of trees and rock. The uneven forest floor beneath my boots feels familiar and treacherous all at once. It’s a battlefield that favors the clever and the adaptable—not just brute strength.

Beside me, Torin adjusts his grip on his blade, a wicked grin cutting across his face. His energy crackles with anticipation, the Reaper eager for another taste of blood. His presence is a steady reminder that I’m not alone in this round,though the weight of the responsibility still feels like mine to bear.

“Don’t embarrass us, Alpha,” Torin says, his voice dripping with mockery. “Kitten’s watching. Wouldn’t want her thinking you’ve gone soft.”

I shake my head but allow the faintest of chuckles. “Try not to lose yourself out there, Reaper. This isn’t a slaughterhouse.”

Torin snorts, his grin widening. “No promises.”

The announcer’s voice booms, silencing the crowd. The second round is called, and Rothgar’s second champion steps forward. He’s taller than me, lean but wiry, his movements predatory. His crimson cloak sways as he walks, the fabric embroidered with sigils that shimmer faintly. His face is sharp, his eyes gleaming with malice. This one isn’t here just to fight. He’s here to win, to humiliate, and to serve Rothgar’s agenda.

Torin whistles low. “That one looks like fun. You want first crack, or should I?”

“I’ll take him,” I say, stepping forward, my blade in hand. “Back me up.”

Torin shrugs. “Suit yourself. But if you don’t finish him quick, I’m stepping in. Can’t let you have all the fun.”

The warlock smirks as he approaches, his hands already glowing with a faint violet light. “Kael, the mighty Alpha,” he sneers. “I’ve heard the stories. But I’m not impressed. Let’s see if the big bad leader of the north can fight without his pack.”

I don’t respond, my grip on my blade tightening. His words are bait, nothing more. But he continues, circling like a predator.

“Rothgar’s been talking about what he’ll do once this is over,” he says, his voice dripping with mockery. “That girl of yours—what’s her name? Sable? He’s got plans for her. Plans that involve breaking her piece by piece until she begs for death.”

My jaw tightens, the fury rising in my chest threatening to break through my composure.

"But first, he says that we'll all get to have a turn with her."

I can feel my anger swelling. I know I need to get control of it. I focus on my breathing, on the ground beneath my feet. I can’t afford to lose control.

The warlock laughs, sensing the crack in my calm. “Didn’t think that would bother you, Alpha. But maybe you’re not as cold as they say.”

“Talk’s cheap,” I growl, lunging forward.

My blade arcs through the air, and he barely dodges, the tip grazing his shoulder. He retaliates with a burst of magic, a jagged bolt of violet energy that streaks toward me. I deflect it with my own power, the force rippling through the air as our magic collides.

From the corner of my eye, I see Torin flanking him, his blade swinging in a brutal, precise arc. The warlock dodges, his movements quick and slippery, but he’s forced to split his focus between us.

“Come on, Kael,” Torin taunts as he ducks under a blast of magic. “You call this a fight? I’ve seen kittens with sharper claws.”

I block another attack, driving the warlock back step by step. “Focus, Torin,” I snap, my voice colder than the northern winds.

The warlock’s laughter grates on my nerves. “Is that all you’ve got, Alpha? No wonder Rothgar’s going to take everything from you. Starting with her.”

My chest tightens, but before I can react, I feel a shift through the bond.

Calm.

Steady.

Her.

Sable.

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