The western territory had not fully recovered when seeds of suspicion began to grow.
Claw marks near the attacked wolf's body became the subject of whispers. Too neat. Too clear. Yet precisely because of that, some believed them to be genuine.
The newly joined rogues were placed on the eastern edge of the western territory, separated temporarily to avoid friction.
Rhydan stood rigid as Toren fixed him with a gaze that was no longer entirely friendly.
"You said your group wanted to try living side by side," Toren said heavily. "Now one of my wolves is nearly dead."
Rhydan clenched his jaw. "We did not attack."
"The tracks belong to a rogue."
"Tracks can be faked," Rhydan shot back sharply.
The crowd grew restless.
Darius stepped forward, his dominant aura spreading like waves of heat. "Enough."
Silence fell, but tension still hung like a taut rope ready to snap.
Aurelia stood in the center of their circle.
She did not raise her voice.
