The coastal beast-kin market at the base of the Warlord cliffs was usually a loud, bustling hub of merchants, fishermen, and travelers. It was a place of tough negotiations and heavy coin.
It was absolutely not prepared for Clover.
The Warlord carriage rolled smoothly into the market square, flanked by two heavily armed Warlord guards. The door opened, and Vali hopped out first. The silver wolf-cub puffed out his chest, his bright pink eyes scanning the crowded market for potential threats. He was wearing a tiny, perfectly tailored Warlord vest, and he looked incredibly serious.
"Perimeter is secure!" Vali barked, reaching a hand back into the carriage.
Clover stepped out daintily, smoothing down her pale pink dress. The bunny-cub's long ears twitched as she took in the sights and smells of the market. She looked like a sweet, helpless little sugar-drop. But tucked securely under her arm was her leather ledger, and in her small hands, she carried a polished wooden box.
