The days following the welcoming feast were a whirlwind of activity and tension. Our mysterious guests, now referred to as Alpha Shadow and Luna Shadow, had taken up residence in a secluded villa on the outskirts of our territory. I couldn't help but notice the constant presence of masked guards from the Shadow Ridge Pack, their vigilant eyes never leaving their leaders.
As I stood on the balcony of the pack house, watching the sun rise over the forest, I felt a familiar tug in my chest. The spiritual bond that had sparked to life during the feast had only grown stronger with each passing day. Even from this distance, I could sense echoes of emotions that weren't my own - a deep longing, tinged with sadness and an unmistakable yearning for freedom.
"Lyra?" Asher's voice startled me from my thoughts. "Are you alright?"
I turned to face him, forcing a smile. "Yes, just... thinking about the negotiations today."
