The clearing around the western farm remained heavy with tension long after the bodies had been carried away.
Silverfang warriors stood in uneasy clusters near the broken fence and the damaged barn. Several patrol leaders argued quietly among themselves while others waited for Ryker’s next command. Smoke continued to rise from the farmhouse chimney, but the building felt abandoned now that its owners were gone.
Mira stood a few steps behind Ryker.
The distance between them was small, yet it felt like the only barrier preventing the pack from turning its anger fully on her. Every movement around the clearing carried the same energy that had begun inside the council chamber earlier that morning.
The pack was dividing.
Ryker watched the warriors carefully. His expression remained calm, b
