Tyler’s POV
The offer comes in a folded piece of paper, carried in by a border runner from the lake pack. The name on the outside: Cindy, Alpha’s daughter, already tells me what kind of trouble it is. Cindy is one of the few pieces of my old life that still knows how to find me.
When I went rogue, I sent exactly one letter back into that world, to her. Since then, every few months a short note has found its way to me: patrol gossip, a bad joke, a line about the elders complaining she still hasn’t ‘settled down.’ Cindy has always been good at hiding what she feels inside reports and logistics.
This time though, it’s different. Technical consultant. Drills. Defense overhaul. Paid.
I see it: new boots, better gear. Lily’s shelves full.
My answer should be quick, easy: yes.
But then, wil
