The heat washing into her grew hotter, then began to fade. "The flame knows truth," Aeron intoned, finally breaking the silence. "Should your heart bear deceit, should your soul have stained the vow to your mate and Gamma, should you dishonor them, or should the ancestors deem you unworthy of dominion, it will burn you. Do you stand ready to be judged?"Her voice came out calmer than she felt, which was a mercy. "I stand before the flame without deceit. Let it judge me as it will." "Alpha, it is within your right to deny or allow such motion. Do you have any objections for her to step into her role?""I hold no objections." Fin sounded like he'd been running a marathon with weights strapped to his body. Every word came out strained.Everyone heard it.Nova glanced at him again, genuinely concerned, but he didn't meet her gaze. She felt another wave of heat come over her."Do you offer your oath to Shadowclaw, to serve with strength of heart, clarity of mind, and loyalty unbroken as
Read more