Am I the stronger witch? I turned to look at her face, knowing she wasn't there. Her hand vanished from my arm; she'd left me to decide my next move. But her words echoed in my mind: Am I the stronger witch? As a wolf, yes, a hundred times over. But I'd never truly tested my power against another's. Not like this.

I had broken runes and charms, even undone a love spell. But I'd never fought anyone, never measured my strength against another. Whoever cursed Vince, whatever power he tapped into, might be stronger than me.

Nix snorted. "You're overthinking it again."

Megan sighed. "I agree with Nix."

I'm not wrong, though. I dropped the sound bubble and recast the spell to eavesdrop on Vince, Verity, and Rowan. I've never fought using my power as the primary attack. What if I fail?

"Then we all die; Rowan dies, we die," Nix said, looking up. "And we leave our mother to raise Carly in the cabin."

"And hopefully…" Megan pressed against the barrier. "She didn't fail her goddess-given task like we did."

"You guys aren't helping," I said, looking around. "I don't know what to do."

Nix shrugged. "You save our mate, or we all die. Seems pretty straightforward, babe." Megan snorted.

"I can't believe you would do this to me," Verity shrieked, and everyone turned to watch her meltdown.

Vince's hand tightened on Rowan's as he turned. It was an awkward half-turn, leaving Rowan looking between Vince, Verity, and their clasped hands. I texted: 'Vince is trying to brand you with a rune. Make him let go of your hand. Now.'

I heard Rowan's phone chirp. He pulled—or tried to pull—his hand away from Vince. "Let go."

"My King," Vince began, but Rowan pulled his hand back again, sending Vince stumbling into the pew. Despite this, he refused to let go.

"Go, Nix," I called, sending her down our bond. I'm so stupid. I should have done that sooner. I shook my head, readjusting the tray. I wanted to throw it at Vince and had to restrain myself.

I watched Rowan's back stiffen, then his power surged out, sending everyone nearby to the ground. This was my chance. I fell, tray clattering to the ground with me, champagne spraying everywhere. I lay trembling amidst the broken glass. "Let go of me right now, Vince." The command was so strong that several wolves cried out.

I turned, but from the ground, I couldn't see. "My king. I don't understand why you're making this display at my son's mating ceremony," Vince said, his voice trembling but laced with barely concealed hatred.

Rowan retracted his aura, and everyone picked themselves up. The omegas stood on shaky legs; one gasped and rushed to my side. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

Everyone turned to see me soaked and surrounded by glass. "I'm fine," I said, my legs shaking. "I'll go change and come back with a new tray."

Rowan's eyes narrowed as he turned to Vince. "You refused to let go of my hand. You forced me to command you to release me and caused your own omega harm. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to challenge me." He stepped closer. "But that can't possibly be the case… can it, Vince?" A soft growl underlay his words.

The omega hurried me away from the guests, and just as we stepped inside, Shannon and her entourage arrived. "Why are you a wet rat?" Her words stopped us cold.

I bowed low, hearing her approving murmur. Megan stepped forward and took over. Thankfully, Shannon hadn't heard Megan speak before. "I'm sorry, Luna," Megan said. "Apparently, the Alpha and the King had a disagreement. The king used his aura over the crowd; all the omegas fell. I was carrying a tray of champagne."

The other omega bowed. "We're cleaning up the mess; I'm taking her to change. Once everything's reset, I'll let you know so you can begin the ceremony." She grabbed me and pulled me up, hurrying off.

The Luna cursed. "He fought with the king?"

The last thing I heard was a soft chuckle. "The king came to my mating ceremony." Shannon was as oblivious as ever.