**Aria's POV**

The meeting with Shadowpine Pack leadership took place on neutral territory, in a clearing halfway between our respective borders that had been used for inter-pack negotiations for generations. Alpha Marcus Shadowpine arrived with two advisors and an expression that suggested he was expecting a formal territorial challenge rather than collaborative discussion.

"Alpha heir Nightborne," he said as I approached with my father and Elder Marcus. "I confess I'm curious about your ...