Kira's POV
An elderly male wolf emerged from the memorial hall entrance, moving slowly with the aid of a walking staff. Despite his gray-streaked hair and age-lined face, his eyes still held the sharp awareness of someone who'd held authority for decades.
This had to be Elder Quinten Vance, the current supreme authority in the main Vance Pack bloodline—the wolf I'd heard about but never met.
"Are you Kira from the fifth branch?" the elder asked, his voice carrying commanding weight despite his advanced years.
"Yes, Elder," I met his gaze directly and replied, keeping my posture respectful but not submissive.
Elder Quinten studied me intently, his wolf clearly assessing more than just my physical appearance. Something shifted in his expression—recognition, perhaps memory of wolves from
