Ace's POV
After the patrons finished their meals, Ray, Philip, Chief Gareth, Khaleed, and I moved to the center of the inn. The air buzzed with tension, the lingering scent of hearty stew and ale creating a rustic backdrop for our discussion.
"We're starting to gather questions about the bandits who stole your belongings and harmed you," Chief Gareth stated, his voice steady but laced with authority.
Suddenly, Khaleed stepped forward, his posture assertive, eyes scanning the crowd. "Raise your hands if you wish to answer or ask questions. This way, we won't all speak over each other," he urged, a flicker of a smile teasing his lips.
I couldn't help but smile at his suggestion. It was clever, yet my wolf growled in disapproval; it didn't trust Khaleed.
