Moonspear blinking in the starlight

Katmai knew that Kindle had been working extra hard along the borders, lately — mainly to be sure that the area where Haedwig had holed up remained secure. He didn't begrudge his uncle cousin the extra rest, but he was a bit miffed to be sent such a message through a stranger.

"Perhaps not while he is enjoying his beauty rest," the Morningsider snarked, though his tone and expression remained good-natured. "But we are about due for something like that."

He thought that they ought to talk about the parameters for joining. They were still so new, and Katmai still so inexperienced with leading even a few wolves, never mind a large pack. Perhaps talking to the others would ease his anxiety.

But perhaps not.

"It's nice to meet you," he told her, perhaps a bit belated. "I am Katmai Morningside. Where have you come from, Kira? I don't recognize your family name."