In the story, “Nina” is confronted with a shocking revelation by her father during treaty negotiations with the Gold Mountain Pack. He discloses that she has been promised in a marriage alliance to Nolan Pierceson, the Alpha’s son, at the next new moon. Revolting. Nina is stunned and disoriented by this revelation, feeling like she has been physically struck. The concept of arranged marriages seems outdated and unthinkable in her world.
Nina’s immediate response is one of incredulity and betrayal, as she whispers, “What? Daddy! How could you?”. She cannot fathom how her father, in the modern world, could make such a decision for her. Arranged marriages are a relic of the past, or so she thought.
Her father, however, justifies his decision by explaining that it was made in the best interest of their small, vulnerable pack. He alludes to the loss of Nina’s mother, suggesting that the pack is weakened and requires the protection of a stronger pack. This political alliance, through Nina’s marriage to Nolan, is seen as a necessary step to ensure their safety and survival.
Conclusion
Nina is overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, making it difficult for her to process the situation. Revolting. She questions why she was chosen for this arrangement when she has two sisters, one older and one younger. The unfolding narrative hints at a complex interplay of family, tradition, survival, and the clash of modernity with ancient customs in a supernatural world.
