Chapter 27: Pride and Vulnerability
(Scarlett's POV)
The trading post in neutral territory was a chaos of chatter, exchanges, and the occasional sharp bark of laughter. Merchants lined the stalls, shouting over one another to attract customers, their wares gleaming in the late-morning sun.
I walked beside Willow, who held her basket tightly, her eyes darting nervously at every raised voice or jostling wolf that passed. Small wolves like her were easily forgotten in places like this. The crowd paid her no attention, brushing past without consideration.
"Over there," Willow whispered, pointing shyly to a merchant stall tucked in the corner. Beautiful healing crystals glimmered under the sun's light, their multi-colored reflections dancing against the merchant’s modest display case. "
