"Your technique is impressive," Eden commented, his youthful face unmarked by guile yet alight with a wisdom that belied his years.

"Thank you, young master," the infiltrator replied, offering a smile that didn't quite dispel the darkness in his eyes. "I've had many teachers."

"Where do you come from?" Eden probed further, casual yet calculated.

"From the North, like the wind," he said, his voice smooth as silk over steel. "But a wolf's home is wherever the pack is, don't you agree?"

"Indeed," ...