The courtyard slowly emptied as twilight stretched long shadows across the stone ground of Regina estate, and though the challenge of the day had not yet truly ended the wolves dispersed reluctantly toward their duties while the quiet echo of Elara's words still lingered like a calm wind moving through restless branches.
Two lines of uneasy silence remained near the training ring.
Victor Salazar stood there with his arms folded.
And Luca watched him from across the yard.
"Hmm," Victor muttered.
"That went better than expected."
Luca did not immediately answer.
Three lines of quiet thought passed through his mind as he studied the younger Beta standing before him, the evening light falling across Victor's face in a way that revealed both determination and uncertainty.
"Better," Luca finally said.
"Is not the same as right."
Victor glanced sideways.
"Oh."
"That sounds ominous."
