The watching became part of daily life.
No attacks came.
No threats.
No messages carved into trees or left along the boundaries.
Just presence.
The knowledge that eyes existed beyond the forest.
Waiting.
Measuring.
Judging.
And somehow—
That unsettled everyone more than open hostility would have.
Because enemies were easier to understand.
Silence wasn't.
Three more wolves arrived over the next four days.
Not together.
Not from the same direction.
One was injured.
One was starving.
One simply walked into the clearing, looked around, and asked if the rumors were true.
Each arrival carried the same thing.
Hope.
Desperation.
Questions.
Nyra felt it every time.
The emotions reached her before the wolves themselves did.
Like distant ripples touching water.
Fear.
Relief
