Chapter 11: The Cell

Garrick's POV

The cell under the Council hall had a stone bench, a drain in the floor and a low ceiling.

They had taken my boots.

My rib hurt every time I breathed, and I breathed anyway, because it kept me from thinking about the cabin.

I had not meant to touch her.

I had meant to sit on that floor and bleed quietly until she went away.

I had failed at that almost immediately.

I could still taste her.

I put my head back against the stone and shut my eyes.

At nine the door opened, and Enid Sayre came down the steps with her cane tapping on each one.

Delphine followed with a covered tray.

"You look dreadful, Garrick," Enid said.

"Elder."

"Sit up. I have come to offer you a way out."

I stayed where I was.

"The girl is lost," she said. "You know that, and so do I."

"In twenty-three days she will be struck or sworn to a wolf who is not you. You cannot have her either way."

"Say what you want, Enid."

"Name my daughter your Luna at the Blood Moon, in front of both packs."

"Do that, and I will make the strike a quiet one. The girl may live out her life in Iron Hollow with a name and a house."

"You told me in March I could keep the seat if I didn't sign."

"You have kept it."

"You said you'd leave her alone."

"I said I would not strike her," Enid said, "if you stayed away from her. You did not stay away."

I looked at Delphine.

She had her eyes on the tray.

"Delphine," I said. "Look at me."

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