Chapter 11: The Scent Test

Dessa came down the aisle with the scent kit in both hands and her chin up.

Her eyes found mine, and she gave me one small nod.

Margo lay on the front bench with her head in a woman's lap.

She opened her eyes slowly.

"Torin," she said weakly. "Torin, where are you?"

He was still on his knees where I had left him.

He hadn't tried to stand since I said down.

"Up," I said quietly.

He rose, grey in the face, and went to her.

"Margo," he said. "Margo, the Elders want a test. It's only a cloth."

"She's accused me in front of everyone." Her voice shook. "I can't, Torin. I can't breathe."

"Under pack law," the old elder said, "the Elders may order a scent test on any claim of an Alpha's pup."

"The mother can't refuse it."

"I'm grieving," said Margo.

"I know you are," said Dessa, not unkindly. "Hold out your wrist."

Margo looked at the Elders.

She looked at the benches, where two hundred wolves were watching with the same hard stillness.

She looked at me.

Then she began to cry in great gasping sobs and clutched her stomach.

"It's gone," she said.

The hall went quiet.

"What did you say?" said Torin.

"I lost it. Last night. I didn't want to tell you before the moot."

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