The courtyard remained silent long after Elder Varrek left Silverfang territory. The three Nightshade wolves had been escorted to the border under heavy guard. No one trusted their presence inside the territory any longer than necessary. The moment they disappeared into the forest, the tension that had filled the clearing shifted into something darker.
Silverfang wolves began to whisper.
The insult Varrek had delivered lingered like poison in the air. Mira no longer belonged to Nightshade, but Silverfang had not accepted her either. She stood in the middle of two packs that now treated her like an enemy.
Ryker remained beside the council fire.
His posture stayed calm, but Mira could see the rigid line of his shoulders. He knew exactly what the elders would do next.
Elder Harkin did no
