Autumn

　　"Mary?" he called out.

　　As Mary entered with an air of awkwardness, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. It was clear that she had been caught off guard by Ethan's request, and I wondered if she had felt compelled to comply despite any reservations she might have had.

　　"Would you please tour my brother around the pack?" Ethan's command hung in the air, and Mary nodded hastily, her expression a mask of forced composure. I watched ...