Desperation flickered in his eyes, tempered by a fragile pride he was trying hard to protect.
"Did you bring your credentials?"
He blinked, then scrambled through his worn satchel, pulling out a crumpled leather folder.
I took it and flipped through the pages.
Solid experience tracking prey routes and managing territory logistics. A few innovative hunting techniques formally recognized by the regional council.
"Come to the pack grounds for a trial on the eighth day after the Moon-Turn."
I pulled out a carved bone token and handed it to him.
"Ask for Borin Ashbinder, our Role-Keeper. Tell him I sent you."
Marek Stormhollow's hand trembled as he took the token.
Then he bowed—deep, formal, exposing the back of his neck in the ancient gesture of submission and gratitude.
"Thank you, Alpha!"
He held that bow for a long time.
As I was leaving, Mara caught my arm and pulled me aside.
"We must capture this moment. Let the packs see there are still kindhearted wolves in this world!"
We gathered in the center of the hall—over thirty of us—and posed together beneath the shelter's worn banner.
I didn't think much of that image.
I had no idea that by nightfall, it would spread like wildfire through every howl-network channel.
The Harbor Haven Refuge's messenger ravens carried the news far and wide:
"#WarmthOnMoonTurn: A heartfelt thank you to Alpha Selene Wolfsbane, who brought her own ceremonial feast to share with our refuge wolves. 108 courses. 108 hearts, warmed."
The image was attached.
The responses flooded in like a rushing river.
"By the Moon! Are those feast platters behind them... a full ceremonial spread?!"
"The refuge keeper confirmed it—yes, a complete 108-course Moon-Turn feast!"
"Who IS this Alpha? Beautiful AND generous!"
"Found her! Selene Wolfsbane, Alpha of the Skyward Pack. They craft healing instruments blessed with ancient magic. Won the regional innovation honor last season!"
"True Alpha behavior! Stunning, powerful, AND kind-hearted!"
My den was under siege—messenger birds arriving nonstop, their tiny scrolls piling up.
Congratulations from allied pack leaders. Curious messages from old friends. Meeting requests from council chroniclers.
Then a familiar howl echoed through our bond-link. Howl.
"Selene, why did you sever my access to the territory stores?"
His voice was tight with irritation.
"After you stayed behind, Mother ordered another full ceremonial spread. She's waiting for someone to settle the debt right now."
