Firestone Hot Springs mystline

Although Ame didn't seem particularly inclined to open friendliness—and, again, Koontz couldn't blame her—she came across as both intelligent and diplomatic. She's nothing like Vilocity, that's for sure, the Alpha thought wryly. Beyond their physical resemblance, the two dark she-wolves shared nothing in common as far as Koontz could see.

"We're small but mighty," she said, answering to the implied inquisition in Ame's tone. "We've lived here since summer, which makes us one of the area's original packs, I believe." Koontz tried to think of something that made Dragonwatchers different from the other packs. "We thrive on a sense of duty and balance. Each member is encouraged to pick a Dragon Duty that fits his or her skills. I'm a Boneknapper, for example, which means I'm responsible for keeping the pack fed."

She fell silent for a few beats, allowing Ame to digest this information. She wondered if Ame was looking for a pack, especially considering the time of year, yet Koontz wasn't the type to make a hard sell. If Ame was interested in Dragonwatchers, she would happily embellish on the information already given. If not, she wouldn't press the subject.

"What took you away from your Mount Rikudōu?" she wondered after a moment, enunciating the name carefully.