Awkward

Nate's POV

Awkward doesn't even begin to cover the current situation.

I sit stiffly, two seats to Ember's left, while she and Kellan occupy the center of the long ceremonial table, an unshakable presence that commands the room. To Kellan's right sits him—Tristan.

I do my best to ignore him, but the effort is proving futile.

The entire estate is gathered for the Collective Run, but before that begins, the wolves—particularly those with unresolved grudges—take their opportunity to sort out their aggression the old-fashioned way.

By beating the absolute shit out of each other.

The sparring matches take place in the open ring, a massive arena carved into the earth itself, the ground packed solid from centuries of tradition. The air is electric, filled with the roars of combat, the thud of bodies colliding, the cheers of onlookers. The scent of sweat, blood, and adrenaline thickens in the cool afternoon breeze.