Valia sat beside Ligon, watching the mingling of species that, days ago, had wanted each other dead. “They’re actually… laughing together,” she murmured.

He nodded. “A rare sight. My wolves hardly ease their guard,” Ligon admitted. “They live to serve, to obey and I’ve trained them too well in both. Perhaps the fault is mine, for being so thorough with them."

She turned her cup in her hands. “Do you think it’ll last? This happiness”

Ligon glanced around the room—the ...