Chapter 436: Dream of Me - Part 5

RETH

Reth pulled her into his chest and told her everything. Everything about the wolves. About Suhle. About Lerrin. About how close it had all come. Her grip on him got tighter and tighter with every word.

Then he told her about the challenge.

She pulled back from his chest and met his eyes, her own wide and worried, her tears threatening again.

"Why? Why would you agree to that? Why would the Creator want that?!"

"Because it is the truth, Elia. It is the way the Anima were made. We follow the strongest, the best protector, the one who can hold the greatest number safe."

"But… but if he cheats—"

"If he cheats it will be under the eyes of every Anima in the WildWood. Everyone will know it. No one will submit to the Alpha who stole the throne. He knows that. He has… he has truly submitted himself to the best course, Elia. He must truly want to see his people safe. In this way, far more so than in war, he is accountable."