A grin pulled at the edges of my maw, unable to contain my reaction to his shock at my invitation. Clearly he needed this more than I had even realized. Was it possible I was inviting a sleuth into my home, one who posed a threat against my pack? Of course it was a possibility, but not one that hadn’t crossed my mind. I would keep an eye on him, from a distance, and I would inform a select few wolves of his connection to the most recent challenger for the throne. But I also believed that he would prove himself loyal and true in due course.

My ears pressed forward at full attention as he spoke a name from the anthols of Spirane’s history - Machaira. A younger sibling to MoonGlow, making her my great aunt. My mind turned over the connections, postulating that these wolves must know Skyfire in some way. But I kept my focus on the story that the young wolf told. And yet, even as he came to his conclusion, singing a lovely song in a language I had never heard before, I was left wanting. Now I knew why they knew of Spirane and Solevion, but I still did not understand Hietala’s malice towards our pack. I wondered what Machaira, or her offspring, had done to warrant such hatred from the woman. Yet my own wounds were catching up with me, the adrenaline from the fight having fully left my body now. I lacked the energy to question her further, but I would not let that show. I was ready to return to my den and rest at Vortigern’s side, so that he could help me tend to my wounds. Perhaps I would call on Moonfeather in the morning for a more close investigation of them, to ensure no infection had a chance to take hold.

As Hietala heaved herself from the ground, I stepped back, allowing her space to turn tail and leave. She pauses, correcting my mispronunciation of the name. My ears tilt back momentarily as she speaks of her lost daughter, guilt wrapping around my heart and squeezing gently. If I lost Vhagar or Greywind at the jaws of another, there was no telling what kind of monster I would become in my search for vengeance. I watch as she sinks her own teeth into her ankle, and my eyes narrow. She was too far gone.

I allowed her the last word, for I had delivered the last blow in the fight. It was done now, and I watched as her form slowly retreated towards the borders. I felt no need to send wolves to make sure she left - her body language told me all I needed to know.

Finally, I turned to Ash, dipping my nose to him. ”Welcome home,” I said with a smile, before moving past him and to start the journey back to my den. Stiffness was beginning to set into my shoulder, and I thought better of leaving it until morning. I paused, tilting my head towards the heavens and singing of my victory to my pack, letting them know they could rest easy once more - the pack would remain with the Mountainborn family. As my song came to an end, I called out to Moonfeather, requesting her presence at my den. I looked over my shoulder at the young male once more, nodding a good evening to him, and then set off to meet Vortigern and Moonfeather.