Late afternoon light filtered through the trees as Winter and Valtor finally shifted back into their human forms, their wolves feeling content after hours of running wild through the land. The grass beneath them was cool, the air still humming with the thrill of the chase. Today had been long but filled with happiness for Winter.

It had begun with her standing at Valtor’s side as he inspected the tribes, meeting the leaders, and then discussing some business matters. Afterward, they visited ...