Direbound

Meryn visits Stark’s quarters at dawn, as he instructed. She’s surprised to see that his room is mostly a library. As they banter, Stark unceremoniously begins to attack her. They spar, and Stark admonishes her for her lack of strength and knowledge. Meryn attempts a feint that she often used in her pit matches, but Stark sees through it and gains the upper hand. He explains how the four packs operate to cover each other’s weaknesses; however, as an Alpha, Meryn isn’t permitted to show weakness. His proximity distracts her, and he eventually pins her down.

He asks that she list all her weaknesses, but she counters by asking that he list all the qualities that an Alpha should have instead. A set of books draws her attention, and she asks whether she’s meant to read them, too. Cryptically, Stark gives her permission to read them, which Anassa encourages. When she goes to bed that night, she sleepwalks to the arena again, and Anassa warns her to proceed with caution. Beneath the arena, she sees something metallic that looks like a wolf’s head. She tries to take it, but she hears footsteps and leaves hastily.