The Hale pack territory was tense. Snow crunched under paws and boots alike, though no one ventured far from the lodge. Inside, the common room hummed with low murmurs, the fire crackling but failing to warm the heavy atmosphere.
Veyra paced near the hearth, her eyes narrowing at the window that framed the snowy forest beyond. Serena, seated on a long bench, rubbed at her temples, trying to quell the tightness in her shoulders. Dustin leaned against the wall, arms crossed, jaw tight, every line of his body radiating frustration.
“No word from Rowan,” Veyra said finally, voice sharp. “He was supposed to return yesterday.”
Serena glanced at her, brow furrowed. “He’s capable. He’s probably fine. But… it’s unusual for him to be this long without checking in.”
Dustin’s eyes flashed, anger s
