Page 9 of The Onyx Covenant

What he doesn’t say—what everyone knows—is that interference often happens. The Harvest Ritual isn’t just a test of skill and strength. It’s a brutal contest designed to thin the ranks. And sometimes, death is only one way out.

Surviving isn’t enough. Winning is everything.

“The Onyx Covenant thanks you for your service,” Tarek concludes. “May the worthy rise… and the fallen be forgotten.”

As we descend the steps, Father calls me over. We stand in the shadows, his powerful hand clamping down on my shoulder. His grip is punishing, fingers digging into muscle with unnecessary force.

“You will not disappoint me,” he growls. His crimson gaze bores into mine. “Five decades of Umbra rule, and you will make it six.”

“Yes, Father,” I respond, keeping my voice neutral even as my stomach twists with revulsion, with the knowledge that I have my own intentions for this game, something that will turn him against me.

He leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. “The Elios grow bolder. They think they can challenge us after all this time. You will show them their place.”

I nod. Over his shoulder, I notice the Alpha of the Elios pack watching us, his expression unreadable in the moonlight.

Father follows my gaze, his lips curling in a sneer. “Remember what they did to your mother,” he murmurs. “Remember why we fight.”

The lie tastes bitter in the air between us. I know the truth—or enough of it to recognize his deception. Mother didn’t die at Elios hands as he claims. She disappeared while investigating ancient pack histories, searching for the truth that Father has worked so hard to bury. That’s all I’ve been able to determine so far in my findings, but it’s enough to know I must seek my own truth.

Before I can respond, he releases me and strides toward the Elios Alpha. The two pack leaders meet at the base of the steps, exchanging formal bows that do nothing to mask the hatred between them.

“That went well,” Kieran drawls, appearing at my side. His own manacle gleams dully against his wrist. “Nothing says ’loving father’ like threats disguised as encouragement.”

I flex my hand, feeling the weight of the binding. “He’s worried. The Elios haven’t fielded champions this strong in decades.”

Kieran studies the Elios wolves, who have gathered in a tight circle at the far side of the clearing. “They want this badly. Fifty years is a long time to be the subordinate pack.”

“Can you blame them?” I ask quietly. “How many of their kind have disappeared during Father’s rule? How many have died for crossing invisible lines drawn by the Onyx Covenant?”

“Careful,” Kieran warns, his voice dropping. “Even here, the walls have ears.”

The two pack Alphas stand so close they could kill each other in an instant, maintained only by the ancient laws that protect the Covenant land between both sectors.

Kieran follows my gaze to the Onyx Covenant building. He knows what I seek—the ancient records kept within. If I win the Harvest Ritual, I’ll have access to those archives. I’ll finally know why my sister was executed for helping Elios refugees and why my mother disappeared while investigating our shared past.

“Just be careful,” Kieran warns. “Your father?—”

“Is a monster,” I finish for him. “I’ve never forgotten that.”

The ceremony complete, servants emerge from the Onyx Covenant building carrying platters of roasted meat. The scent of charred flesh and woodsmoke fills the air, making my mouth water despite the tension. My wolf stirs within me, hungry after the battles and the ceremony.

“Now we feast!” Tarek announces, gesturing to the food. “Tomorrow, you return to your territories to prepare. May the moons guide your path.”

“Come on.” Kieran nudges me toward the food. “If I have to spend our near future bound to one of our Omegas while fighting for our lives, I’m at least going to do it on a full stomach.”

I follow him, and we heap our plates with slabs of roasted boar, still sizzling from the spit. I tear into the meat, savoring the rich, gamey flavor as blood runs down my chin. Around us, other wolves do the same, their manners abandoned in favor of satisfying primal hunger.

“You know,” Kieran says between bites. “I’ve been thinking about which Omega I’ll choose.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You have someone in mind already?”

He grins, sharp canines flashing in the firelight. “Several someones, but I’m leaning toward Cleris. She has healing magic, which could come in handy when you inevitably get us into trouble.”

“WhenIget us into trouble?” I laugh, the sound rusty from disuse. “Need I remind you who started the border incident last spring?”

“Details, details.” Kieran waves a dismissive hand. “Besides, that Elios patrol had it coming.”

“They were three miles inside their own territory.”

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