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I stare at the piece of paper, and for a moment, I forget to breathe. For real she is truly going to a duel tonight, and not just with anyone, but with a savage rogue who wants her dead more than anyone else.

Word has already spread through the empire, and it has reached my ears that she’s now being declared as the Lycan King’s woman. But I dare to disagree.

Zeph is mine.

I brought her here. I sheltered her. I fed her until now. She is my mate and no man else’s.

The urge hits me hard. I have to see her one more time. This time, to make her stop this duel.

I leave my chamber, heading for the living room where my mother and younger sister are huddled, staring at the same printed announcement that has been sent to every pack.

“She’s really dying tonight. Mother, we must go and see how she’s dealt with,” my younger sister says. My mother only chuckles to back her up.