Chapter 36 · The Crown's First Debt

"Kneel, or I'll rip your throat out right here."

Justin's claws stopped inches from my face.

I didn't flinch. Kane stood behind me, his chest against my back, his breath warm against my ear. His hand locked around my waist, holding me in place while Justin's rage shook the clearing.

"You heard him, Sia," Justin snapped. "Get on your knees."

"You first."

Justin's jaw tightened. "What did you say?"

"I said you should try it first." I glanced at his claws. "Maybe the dirt will finally make you useful."

A growl rolled through Kane's chest. It vibrated through my ribs.

Justin looked past me at him. His confidence slipped for half a second. "The outcast girl and her dead king. That's what this is? You think a little soul-merge makes you royalty?"

Kane's fingers tightened at my waist.

"A little spark?" His voice cut across the clearing. "Your ancestors crawled through the mud to beg for my mercy. Have you forgotten the Old Law, boy?"

"I'm the Alpha here!"

Justin lunged.

The soul-merge moved before I did. Gold flashed beneath my skin.