Swiftcurrent Creek we got the kingdom, we got the key

Lestan answered the boy who had spoken—his answer genial and polite. The care that embodied his cousin must have skipped his own litter, it seemed, his thoughts darkly straying to what any of them might say to such a question.

This was River’s child—his child?

He would never know.

His muzzle canted— “As Lestan says,” he murmured, acquiescing his agreement to the dark Mayfair. “But also… We are not targeted yet. As a potential danger to us in the future, it’s easier to eradicate the situation before it becomes… problematic.” His tone as direct as the dark smile that stayed just out of reach from his lips.

As conversation subsided, the Alpha rose—his eyes briefly meeting River’s, though he offered no question or concern. For now, the pack was dismissed to ruminate on what had been spoken of.