The Lunar Scepter did not resemble a weapon.

It stood upright in the center of the hidden chamber, suspended within a column of moonlight. Its shaft appeared to have been carved from white wood, though silver veins moved beneath its surface like living blood.

The private training ground of the Supreme Citadel lay behind walls forty feet high.

Crushed black stone covered the field. Reinforced targets stood at measured distances, and protective runes had been carved into the surrounding walls to contain Alpha-level energy.

The Grand Arena of the Supreme Citadel had not opened for a Trial of the Severed Bond in more than two centuries.

By sunrise, every seat was occupied.

Thousands of wolves filled the stone terraces. Representatives from all five territories sat beneath the