The fire crackled between them, casting dancing shadows across Lucas's angular features.
"A sanctuary," Lucas repeated slowly. "On the Curse lands. With wolves, bears, serpents, and lions all living together." He leaned back, studying Alex with those pale, unreadable eyes. "You're asking me to approve something that goes against every instinct a pack lord has."
"I'm asking you to consider it," Alex corrected. "To meet with the other lords. To see if there's a way forward that works for everyone."
"And if I say no?"
"Then we figure something else out."
Lucas's lips twitched—almost a smile, almost not. "You haven't changed as much as you think. Still stubborn. Still optimistic."
His gaze drifted to where Naga sat coiled near the lodge entrance, Zale's sphere floating beside him, Leo perched on a beam overhead. "Still collecting mates apparently."
The words had an edge to them, but not as sharp as Alex had feared.
