A rumble of agreement issued from the onlookers, although Melanna couldn’t rightly be sure which sentiment had roused it. For all the south-wealders’ claims of being different to their overlords in the distant city, fascination with bloodline and heritage bore the same bitter fruit. A uniquely Tressian prejudice, and one which Melanna – who’d lived all her life in the vibrant panoply of a Golden Court whose princes hailed from across the Empire – had never understood.

“You’re testing my patience. The decision is mine. And it’s made.” Crovan’s hand rested on the pommel of his sword. “Now kindly stop embarrassing me.”

Vorn gave a long, slow shake of his head. A deep chuckle spilled from his lips. He turned, whip-swift, and gathered Melanna in a bear hug. Two brisk strides, and her back was against the earthen wall.

“I say she stays. It’ll help her father remember his gratitude.”

“Unhand me!”

Melanna struggled in the wolf’s-head’s grip. But her arms were pinned close, and the nearness of the cavern wall robbed her kicks of force. Her choked-off scream of frustration provoked yet more laughter.

“Vorn! Set her down!” Crovan’s sword came free of its scabbard. “I won’t ask again.”

The words lent fresh urgency to Melanna’s fug of rage. No! She’d already invoked her father’s wrath in place of her own. She’d not play the part of a helpless maiden. Her heel glanced off the wall, prelude to another momentum-less kick.

Vorn didn’t even blink. His predator’s leer grew crueller, tinged with fresh madness. A trick of the light made his blue eyes swirl with shadow. Melanna’s breath caught in her throat to see it. Then, fear and anger coalescing in a single perfect moment of resolve, she slammed her forehead into Vorn’s nose.

The howl and spray of blood came as one. His grip slackened a heartbeat after. Melanna landed with a thud and steadied herself against the wall. Head swimming drunkenly, she grabbed Vorn’s collar and slammed a foot between his legs. By the time the second howl faded, he was on his knees. She had fingers wound through his hair, and a dagger at his throat.

“You want to know what my word is worth?” Savage joy made the words ragged. She took in each of the cavern’s inhabitants in turn. “I promise that if any one of you ever touches me again, I’ll sever whatever body part commits the offence. And I’ll burn it while you watch. Am I understood?”

She trembled, as much at her own audacity as from excitement. For all her bravado, the wolf’s-heads outnumbered her. One of the women was already on her feet. What price did they place on Vorn’s pride?

Crovan sheathed his sword. “You’re understood. Vorn was out of line. Let him go. I’ll make sure he comprehends the depth of his error.”