The chill of the northern air bit at my skin as I approached the elder, the weight of his knowledge settling over me like a mantle. Our eyes met, and in his gaze, I found the ancient wisdom of uncounted moons.

"Alpha Markus," I began, my voice steady despite the quiver of emotion within, "your generosity in sharing the sacred traditions of your pack has been a gift beyond measure. The roots of our kind run deep into the earth, and you have helped us grasp the strength that lies therein."

His ...