The challenger, a young man with a striking mane of silver hair, pushed his way forward to the center of the circle. He threw Kyra a look so hostile she had to fight the urge to back away. “I speak because it’s important,” he said. “The girl’s human blood makes her untrustworthy, especially since she was raised amongst them. She’ll betray us first chance she gets.”

Leyus, Brona, and Pashla stared at one another over Kyra’s head, completely ignoring her presence as they discussed her fate. “She’s too injured even to leave the camp,” said Leyus. “She’s unlikely to betray us in this condition.”

“We only have the halfblood’s word for that,” said Brona.

“And Pashla’s.”

“And that’s just as worthless,” said Brona. “We all know her past. Pashla pretends to be a member of the clan, but she’s still a stray at heart. She thinks nothing of the clan’s welfare.”

A murmur ran through the crowd, which Brona seemed to acknowledge with satisfaction. Kyra took a half step back.

“Those are strong words, Brona,” said Leyus.

“I stand by them,” he said. “For the good of the clan.”

Leyus turned slowly to Pashla. “Do you have anything to say?”

Pashla’s jaw was clenched in anger and she stared Brona down as she spoke. “I serve the clan.”

“Your lies convince no one, foundling,” spat Brona.

“Enough!” said Leyus. “I don’t believe the halfblood is a threat to us right now.”

“I disagree,” said Brona, “and if you won’t do anything about this, I claim my right to Challenge Pashla on this question.”

Leyus narrowed his eyes. “Are you doing this for the clan, Brona, or for your personal grievances?”

“My loyalty is to the clan. Always.”

Leyus looked at him long and hard. Finally, he gave a curt nod. “You may Challenge. Pashla, do you accept?”

“This is not the best time,” said Pashla.

“I will decide what time is right,” said Leyus. “Do you accept?”

Pashla’s eyes snapped with fury. “If I must.”

She untied her belt in a routine quickly becoming familiar to Kyra. Again, her body was shifting, changing. Brona moved to the other side of the circle, slowly assuming the shape of a silver cat. The crowd stepped back, widening the ring as Kyra struggled to make sense of what had just happened. Kyra gasped as firm arms gripped her from behind and pulled her backward, wrenching her wounded middle. A Demon Rider she didn’t recognize stared down at her. She pulled away, but his grip stayed tight.

“Watch her until this is settled,” Leyus said to him.

Her guard was already leaving bruises on her arms. A Challenge, Brona had called it. Did this mean they would decide her fate based on who won? Kyra gritted her teeth and twisted, fighting her guard’s hold, but she might as well have wrestled a tree.