The following morning dawned cold and razor-sharp, the mountain sun casting long, pale shadows across the frosted cobbles of the lower courtyard. By mid-morning, the grand hall was filled with the rumble of heavy boots, shifting parchment, and low-voiced debate. The conquered borderland territories and vassal packs had brought in their winter rations—mounds of smoked meats, dried roots, heavy sacks of grain, and salt-cured hides stacked high along the perimeter walls.Evren sat high, presiding over the allocation of resources to ensure every ward, upper and lower, got a share.Councilman Vane, standing near the dais alongside Lord Darkwood, adjusted his fur collar. Beside them stood Ethan, the former Alpha. Even in retirement, Ethan carried an air of absolute, unshakeable sovereignty; when he spoke, elders lowered their heads, and even the proudest warriors stood straighter out of instinct and deep-seated respect.Liana stepped forward from the Darkwood delegation, smoothing the fron
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