DRAVEN'S POV.
You don't need to touch her," she repeated, as if this were the most reasonable suggestion in the universe. "You only need someone who will sit beside you during ceremonies, lead the women, help manage alliances, and be a symbol of unity."
"A symbol," I echoed. "You want me to pick a woman to stand next to me like a decorative vase."
"If the vase strengthens the kingdom, yes," Elder Rowan said.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "You're all insane."
Mara bristled. "Mind your tone—"
"No," I snapped. "Mind your logic. You want an Alpha pair who cannot stand within arm's reach of each other without the risk of me killing her."
My mother sighed dramatically. "You exaggerate."
I lifted both hands. "Do any of you not understand the part where touching me could kill someone?"
A beat of silence.
One elder coughed. Another pretended to examine his pen. Rowan offered a sheepish shrug.
My mother, of course, didn't budge.
She leaned forward, eyes sharp as silver.
