The preliminary session of the Alpha Committee ended with a cautious and optimistic atmosphere. The trade agreement had been signed, the border dispute had been resolved to some extent, and a shaky peace has been reached between the forever irritable wolf pack.

Deep exhaustion, heavy leadership pressure, weighed down on me - a lead apron on my soul - but beneath it, a vibrant excitement surged in my heart. My sons birthday!

I long to return to the Black Claw, witness their unrestrained joy, ...