By morning, Sage was moving faster. Then came a surge of effort, driven by something deeper than before.
Folks in the pack got word about Rhett's admission - not chitchat, just truth settling in. Talking happened between wolves. Feelings passed through connections like signals in the dark. News reached the alliance: an Alpha from the Quintessence bore a life-debt, one that could pull him off after the fight ended.
Funny how the Coastal Pack reacted - twisted, like a wave pulling back before it crashes.
Fog hung low when Yara stepped forward that sixth dawn. Seriousness filled the old Alpha's amber gaze.
"The blood debt is real," Yara said without preamble. "Three of my wolves were taken by Rhett's former Alpha. Two were recovered. One was never found. The families have the right to call the debt."
"I know."
"They're asking me what to do. Whether to call it now or wait. Whether to forgive it entirely or demand full payment."
"What did you tell them?"
