I was back in the same room, on the same bed where I'd woken up a few days ago. But instead of the pack's healer or any nurse, it was Beta Cillian himself nursing my hand. His silver eyes focused on the task, his hands moved deftly, he first cleaned the wound with cotton dipped in cold water, then applied a green herbal paste that stung a little before wrapping a tight white bandage around my palm.

"May I ask you a question, Beta Cillian?" I hesitated, watching him closely as he ...