Chapter 22 · The Shattered Verdict

His claws locked around my wrist and slammed it against the bedpost. The parchment slid out of my fingers and landed on the furs by the fire.

"Don't," Vane said.

It didn't sound like a voice. It sounded like gravel in a throat that was on fire. His chest pressed against mine, hot through his shirt, and every breath he took came out as a growl.

"Too late." I twisted my head toward the hearth. "I already saw the first line."

He went still.

The pine coals popped. Firelight crawled across the page, and I could read it from where he held me. Big black letters, Council ink, an elder's wax seal cracked down the middle.

BY ORDER OF THE HIGH COUNCIL OF FROSTVEIL: THE FEMALE SERAPHINA VANCE, MATE-BOUND TO THE ALPHA, IS CONDEMNED FOR TREASON AGAINST THE PACK. SENTENCE: SILVER ROPE AT DAWN.

My mouth went dry.

"Treason," I said. "I never—"

"I know you didn't." His grip shook. "Garrick's archives. Forged maps with your scent on them. The Elders wanted a neck, and yours was the easiest one."

"Let go of me."

"If I let go, you'll read the rest."

"Then I'll read the rest."

I waited.