“Had you ever been in a duel before?” Rhia asked, putting aside the leather belt she could no longer wear.

She was wearing tight black pants and a dark elbow-length-sleeved T-shirt. She was ready to fight, although she hoped with all her heart that she wouldn't have to.

“No, never,” Aidan replied. “My father placed the Alphas strategically, he catered to their power, yes, but he didn't subject them to duels. He said that was barbaric.”

“Barbaric is murdering the defeated lycan if he surrenders, but a good fight for supremacy doesn't hurt anyone,” Rhia said and shrugged. “Alphas must be the strongest in their packs. They have to earn their respect and support in order to lead them. A cowardly Alpha and weak Alpha, on the contrary, helps no one.

They finished getting ready, and Aidan went out to organize the detachments with Brennan while Rhia met with the Alphas at one end of that clearing in the jungle that Theo's troops were gradually surrounding.

Finally, after a couple of hours, th