Overture Downs so stay with me because,

Uncertainty! The snowrunner’s greedy mind was delighted to hear it. And though she kept herself collected, a simple glance downward projected the tiniest slip of her aristocratic impassivity.

He made no further comment, certain that her own mind would seed more discourse than the words of a stranger ever could, though he still wondered at how close she and her gift-giver were. If there were talks of the past. Of a future. Declarations. Affection.

If there was a corner of her mind yet untouched for him to occupy.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. This selfishness is unbecoming, his mother had lectured him.

And yet, it remained.

His ears flicked at the disinclined admission about her home. Ah, yes. I have heard good things about your pack, Wake stated without disclosing Lestan’s involvement in the matter. I mean to parlay with your leaders. See how amenable they will be to my presence in the area. Where the star-crowned woman might feel exposed, the snowmelt competitor only felt pride in all he revealed.

I have taken a great liking to the lands of this valley. I hope to find myself a stake of four adjoining territories to spend each of the seasons in. Forests for the winters and springs, a mountain for the summers, a field for the falls.