Chapter 4

The merchant's weathered hands trembled slightly as he leaned closer across the makeshift counter of his traveling cart, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "You sure about this, Miss Eva? The neutral territories ain't no place for a lone she-wolf, especially not one carrying pack scent."

I clutched the small pouch of silver coins tighter, my knuckles white against the worn leather. The morning supply run to the pack borders had been routine—checking our stores of medical supplies, ensuring our trade relationships remained stable. But when I'd spotted this particular merchant, something in Luna's weak stirring had urged…