THE HALF BLOOD'S CURSE

The way he had looked at me, as if I were something he yearned to shatter, or devour. I struck the thin mattress beneath me. "Stop i

He's pack, it counte

robably bathes in the

n't kn

ow en

ray, a stark contrast to the clear skies of the Black Sea coast. Somewhere out there, my mother was likely sipping he

fficient as any of the Council's servants. They led me through a different network of corridors, wider

y scanning, constantly observing. I recognized some of the packs from the previous night-the Alaskans with th

d for the perfect moment to strike. Niklas stood at their center, clad in black: black pants, black shirt, black boots. His hair was pulled back, revealing t

arrying across the silent court

indifferent. Yet, my gaze remained locked on Niklas. "Dirty blood," I repeated, walking

, followed by a few nervous titters. Niklas

ave a stic

at the far end of the courtyard, flanked by the Alaskan and the Mongolian. Behind them, a man

nued, her tone firm. "This is a G

ent, but his eyes never left mine. "Of course, Counc

"Is that what you

y flash. "I call it recruitme

tment f

tested." She gestured to the assembled shifters. "Every year, the Council hosts a Competition. Packs from across the globe send their finest warrior

s that have t

you earn your freedom. If you lose..." She shrugged, a gesture

tide of anger. "You want me to fight for you? Aft

ra replied, her gaze unwave

bt whispering about the half-blood who had dared to confront Niklas Vollbrecht. I re

f De

ines etched into his face weren't wrinkles, but something deeper, like intricate m

You were on the C

you. Not because of the rel

ener

nt." He tilted his head, studying me with an intensity that was both unnerving and insight

he question hadn't e

le. "He was scared. The relic isn't merely a weapon. It's

ng to tell m

ectedly reminded me of someone-perhaps my father, or the fa

r, a shadow fell over us. "

. Of c

back at me. "Be careful, Elif Demir. The wolf you fear might be the only o

his jaw set tight. "W

that conc

scent again-pine, smoke, and something darker, more primal, beneath. "You heard Vera. The

can cont

an dest

ck by his unexpected

napped back into place. "Because relics like that don't bring power," he said, his voice low and quiet. "They bring death.

rs in the main hall, outlining the rules of the upcoming trials: three distinct challenges-strength, s

hair like spun moonlight and eyes like chips of ice, likely Siberian,

il's champion," Vera declared,

ssembled shifters. "The Counc

er gaze challenging anyone to dispute her authority.

le

to ignore. Her icy eyes met mine, holding them captive. "I am Anastasia Volkov," she announced, her voice as sharp

or your interes

have spirit. I appreciate that. Perhaps when Niklas breaks

me in yo

l-if she survives." She turned and walked away, but I felt her gaze on me for the rest o

he cool stone wall, watching the sun dip below the Istanbul skyline. I didn't

he observed. "

e myself. And myself

r mouth will be

s kept me al

el the warmth radiating from his body. We sat in silence for

alf-bloods so much

he wouldn't answer. "Because they remi

did yo

ryth

ou'll be facing a pureblood from the Mongolian pack. His nam

rming in my stomach. "

nd when you do, I'll be there to collect the pieces." He began to

ha

. Does it feel diffe

stopped

the qu

ly another arrogant pureblood who believed he owned the world. But the words wo

the tension in his jaw. "Good," he said, his voice low. "That means you're not

ve us, the Council sat on their elevated thrones, observing the proceedings like gods presiding over a gladiatorial contest. Across from me stood Temur. He was a giant of

ent thick. "I've killed your kind b

eed the same wa

d at the edge of the pit, holding a staff. He

bulk suggested. His fist slammed into my shoulder, sendin

t up, half-blood!" I recognized Anastasia's voi

s ready. I dropped low, swept his legs out from under hi

d, regaining his footin

ated into sharp claws, fur sprouting from his knuckles.

r his attack, landed behind him, and kicked the back of his knee. He stu

The crowd fell silent. Even the Council seemed frozen. Temur stared at his broken a

is staff. "Winn

f the pit, breathing heavily, my entire bo

his grip so tight I gasped. His eyes burned, his

w

ed. The ru

ing about partial s

is voice dangerously soft. "I'll give you that. But cleverness won't save you in the next trial." He pulled me closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Lis

p was like iron. "Why?" I whisper

ther than hatred in his eyes. Something that looked like hunger. "Because," he said softly,

ere, trembling, and felt the wolf within me shiv