Astrid's pov
The fight would be held in the prepared clearing in the woods, everyone was flooded under the harsh, unforgiving light of midday.
It was silent save for the pounding of my heart.
Brie next to me squeezed my hand, giving me all the reassurance she could give and I smiled.
The air was thick with grim expectation.
Roshan and Simeon stood at the center of attention
Both men were stripped down to their breeches, shooting invisible dagger with their eyes
My heart pulsed, both men…one representing my past the other my future each of them ripe for violence.
There would be no shifting.
That was the only rule.
There would be no fangs, no claws—only fist against fist, a sort of raw duel to decide who would claim my heart.
I stood at the front of the assembled spectators, my
