#Chapter 22: A Game of It

Agnes Flipping the binder open, I was met with page after page of names, faces, and intricate webs of alliances. Alphas and Lunas from every corner of the world, their pack sigils and colors, major exports, closest allies—even trivial details like their favorite foods and preferred wines. And at the top of the first page, written in Elijah’s handwriting: “Memorize all of this before the gala.” “Is he serious?” I muttered under my breath as I flipped through the pages. “He expects me to memorize all of this?” A soft voice piped up behind me. “Mommy, what’s that?” I turned to see Thea rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her hair adorably tousled. I couldn’t help but smile. “Good morning, sweetheart. It’s just some... homework I have to do.” Intrigued, she jumped out of bed and padded over to me, peering curiously at the binder. “Homework? Like the kind I get from school?” “Something like that,” I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck with my hand. “