*Shadow Pack— Market Square, Evening*
The market in Shadow Pack was always busy. Lanterns strung between wooden stalls glowed in soft gold. Wolves traded for meat and cloth, pups darted through the crowd, their laughter cutting through the tension that had hung since the last council meeting.
But beneath the color and noise, unease lingered. Eyes glanced over shoulders, many hands twitched close to weapons. Everyone knew Silver Fang was stirring again. Everyone knew the silence was danger itself.
Crystal walked beside Ryder, the Alpha’s presence drawing wary respect from those who parted the crowd for them. She held herself steady, every line of her posture composed, but her wolf, Aelira, prowled restless within.
…Hmph… We don’t belong in places where enemies are watching, Aelira murmu
