The party stood at the mouth of the cave. The weather looked just as bad as when Gail had to return to the Cubbing ritual grounds before. Alice certainly wouldn’t have fared well on her own in this weather, and she made that obvious with how she clung onto Gail’s arms. She reminded her of Sierra in a way, and even Yvette with how timid she was. Though, anyone would act this way after being captured by three random wolves and be almost forced to take on the role of a Theta.

Gail looked at Gruff. “So you know the village that Alice is from?”

“I do. It’s called Twin Lakes, not too far from here, and it’s…” With a glance at the sun’s position and the cave’s entrance, he pointed in a direction. “That way. Right, Alice?”

“I’m pretty sure, y-yeah.” Alice’s body shuddered when a cool breeze flew by.

Gruff reached in one of his pouches and pulled out a peculiar-looking stone. It was an arcane gem—its color was a translucent orange with a core that looked to explode its golden color from the center. Its surface was rough and jagged, like the cave wall, but without any jags that could prick them accidentally.

Gail perked her eyebrows when she was given the gem. “Um, what exactly do I do with this?”

“Ah, sorry, I just assumed Terra already taught you how to use one.” Gruff pulled out his own that resembled Gail’s. “There’s…really no easy explanation without making it complicated. The best way I can explain it is to imagine yourself drawing energy from your bloodstream and directing it toward the crystal that you’re holding, but don’t strain your muscles while doing it or else you’ll— Oh my gods.”

The crystal in Gail’s hand began to radiate a magnificent glow. She squinted her eyes and hid the stone in her fist, before withdrawing her hand and dropping it onto the snow-layered ground when it scorched her hand. “D-did I do it wrong? That got so hot and bright all of a sudden!”

“You overpowered the stone with archaic energy,” Durin answered, her amazement leaking out of her soft voice. “I suppose you’re new to using arcane gems, but…wow, that was incredible!”

Gruff picked up the gem and handed it back to Gail. “Here. Be more moderate with the amount of energy you put into it. It won’t catch on fire if that’s a fear of yours, but it’ll get ridiculously hot if you put too much into it.”

“And try to not make it shine,” added Sydney. “It’ll just exhaust you quicker and it’ll draw more attention to us. There’s enough pale light for us to see around us.”

Gail kept all their advice in mind. She held the stone and tried to replicate what she’d done, this time attempting to lessen its strength. Taking a deep, misty breath, she focused on the gem. Her mind was split between channeling whatever this archaic energy Durin mentioned and thinking about Alice shivering against her. Heat radiated from the gem, but it also glowed from its golden core. Gail exhaled, screaming mentally, Please turn off, don’t glow, don’t blind us all, just warm us up. A moment later, the glow died down, but the warmth heightened. She held it closer to Alice and herself.

“Thank you,” whispered Alice. She was still shaking but not as violent.

“You can keep the gem in your pocket if you don’t wanna keep holding it,” Gruff said, doing so with his gem. “It should keep both of you warm enough still.” As Gail did so, putting it in a pouch between herself and Alice, Gruff said, “Right, let’s go.”

With Gruff in the lead, Gail followed behind her with Alice while Sydney and Durin brought up the rear. The Deltas didn’t run on all fours as Terra had done the other day. Maybe it was because Gail was with them, or maybe it was only Terra and Frost who could do it. I still want to be able to do it too. Terra had yet to get to teaching her how to morph her body to look more feral and to be able to run faster. From what she said, she made it sound like anyone could do it too, and it made her wonder who else could run like a feral.

As they continued their trek, Gail’s pace would sometimes slow. Not because of Alice tiring or her own legs giving in to exhaustion, but because her mind was troubled. Sydney and Durin would catch up, running by her side.

They eventually passed between a pair of tall, dead spruces. They looked like an ominous gateway, and it just so happen to serve as a landmark for the northern edge of their border.

Looking at Gail’s frowning face for some time, Sydney asked, “What’s the matter, Gail?”

Gail’s attention snapped back upon being addressed. She glanced at her and mumbled, “I’m still doubting if this is a good idea. I want to help Alice get home, but…” She looked at the younger wolf for a second before locking her eyes ahead of them, not wanting to meet her sad eyes. The weather wasn’t as devastating as she had expected it to be; at least, it hasn’t escalated at where they were currently. Alice could have probably gone home by herself, as Malte had said. Her only problem would be navigating her way back home while shivering.

“Maybe I could’ve escorted her by myself,” she muttered.

“Don’t give in to Malte’s berating, Gail,” said Gruff from ahead. “It wouldn’t be safe if it were just you and Alice traveling. It may seem like this is too many people, but it ensures our safety.”

“Yeah!” chimed Sydney. “And you would’ve gotten lost without Gruff’s directions. Besides, wouldn’t you want to travel with us?”

“I suppose you’re right with both of those points.” Gail sighed. “With the Gammas and Zane opposing me, though, I can’t help worrying that I’m not doing my job as a Beta.”

“You’re always going to face opposition, Gail,” Sydney said. “Even in the Delta position, we face opposition from those Gammas almost every day. And hey, we’re here with you. You may not know it, but every one of us Deltas is in full support of you, Gail.”

Gail’s eyes widened in surprise. “You do? But…I notice that all of you look to be afraid of me.”

“You can look scary at times,” Durin whispered. “No offense. The word Beta makes us think of a club being smacked against the back of our heads, but we’re starting to see how different you are.”

For a moment, Gail wondered if frostbite had encased her ears and started latching onto her mind; then she saw the confident grin of Sydney and the shy, reassuring smile of Durin. Gruff shared his piece of mind too, agreeing with Durin. Gail glanced at Alice, who clung onto her arm for dear life from the weather, but the corners of her lips were visibly raised slightly. Gail reflected all their smiles, the weight of her doubts easing.

Durin added. “Going back to you looking terrifying…how in the moons did you do that to Malte?”

“Yeah, I was about to ask also! How the hell were you able to push him back and send him flying like that! It’s like you suddenly turned into Terra, just as strong and terrifying.” Sydney’s grin remained, amused upon being reminded of that scene.

“I…don’t know.” Gail’s eyes drooped for a second. “In my mind I just imagined him gasping for air after punching him and I’d be able to free myself. I thought I was hallucinating it all, but then he was just…lying on the ground all of a sudden.”

“Well, even if you can’t explain it, you can’t deny that that blow had some real kick to it! Y’all felt its impact too, right? It was nuts!” Sydney exclaimed, her eyes shining.

Gail grinned awkwardly with her. As much as she feared this indescribable power she had, there was no denying that she was curious about it too. Did she have other powers? She needed to know how to tap into that power. Potts and Juniper could potentially know the root of this, or maybe she could ask Terra about it.

After about an hour of nonstop travel, they stopped to rest by a road. Under the shade of a pine tree, Gail massaged Alice’s cramped legs while Durin and Gruff foraged supplies to prepare a campfire. Durin produced an arcane gem from a pouch. Its color was more vibrant than the thermoregulating stones they had been using, and its core was a fierce scarlet. She clutched it in one hand; with her other hand, she directed her palm toward the bundle of sticks and grass. Thin streams of smoke emitted from her hand, then a quick spark before a burst of fire lit the campfire. Gail’s eyes were as wide as Alice’s innocent amber eyes as they both gawked at the splendor.

Sydney snickered. “You two look like cubs who just saw colors for the first time. Gail, I’m surprised you haven’t had much experience with arcane gems.”

“Not firsthand experience,” Gail replied. “Or…even witnessing it being used. I’ve only really seen the ones in cave walls giving off light, and also hearing about arcane stuff from Quibs and the Alphas.”

Sydney glanced at Alice and asked, “What about you, lass?”

“Oh, I see entertainers use arcane gems all the time at the inn! But it still amazes me every time I watch someone use it. I keep asking my dad if I could talk with any of the adventurers that stop by the inn about their gems, but he tells me to not bother the guests.”

“And I don’t think the innkeeper would be too happy with a kid interrogating every person that walks through the door,” Gruff commented. “I know that he can be quite stern with his business.”

“Well, he is my dad!”

Gruff’s eyes lit up. “Really? Cole is your old man? So you must be his girl that he’d always send on errands.”

Alice nodded. Gail looked back and forth between them, her head cocked as she raised a brow. “Wait, wait, hold on. Gruff, how do you know someone from the village? And why does it happen to be Alice’s father?”

Gruff’s ears flattened. He gave a bashful smile as he scratched the back of his head. Though, through his casual demeanor, Gail noticed a hint of anxiety. “Don’t get mad at me, but sometimes I may use some time of my scouting trips to go way beyond our borders. This village is the only prominent place that I’ve been to. I know it sounds bad. Apologies for neglecting my duties, Gail.”

A Beta should discipline someone like Gruff. Going against what his role was supposed to do? Neglecting his duties? And even then, not reporting this information? If it were Zane, he’d smack the back of Gruff’s head while yelling how useless he was, maybe somehow threatening to make him the first male Theta. If it were the Alphas punishing him, Gail could only imagine a pool of blood and tortured screams echoing throughout the cave and forest and reaching the ritual ground.

Gail shook her head. “No worries, Gruff. There’s no inherent harm in exploring, but do be careful when you do, and please, report findings like this to me next time. It may be valuable information in the future.”

Relief spread across Gruff’s face before he bowed his head. “Understood. But what about Zane? Shouldn’t I be obligated to report to him as well?”

“I suppose you are required to. I just fear what he’ll do when he finds out about you wandering off without permission.” Gail’s mind recalled the moment earlier of Zane berating her for not receiving the same information that she did. To overshadow them, she looked at Alice and asked, “Are your legs feeling better?”

“They do, yeah.” Alice’s voice was meek, her face pinkish. “It feels really weird to have a stranger massage my legs, especially after…what happened earlier. Though, it’s comforting to know that you know my dad,” she said, glancing at Gruff then casting her gaze at everyone else. “And you all are taking me back home, so…thank you, so very much.”

“It’s no problem, kid,” said Sydney. “It sure beats our regular duties, so in a way you’re also helping us.” She looked off toward the open field of snow toward their destination. “I haven’t traveled this far in many moons.”

Gruff and Durin didn’t comment, but the way their soft eyes glimmered signified their agreement. Gail felt the same. It was sad to hear that the Deltas, don’t get to enjoy the outside world despite their role of scouting within their borders. She wondered how the rest of the pack could experience this sort of enjoyment with Zane and Malte.

And Terra still wants me to get Zane out of the picture…

Once Alice said her legs were feeling much better, the party continued their trek on the road. “The village shouldn’t be too far now,” Gruff had said before they headed off.

It was embarrassing, but along the way, Gail had to ask what a road actually was. It was highlighted by its darker surface, and it was hard beneath their feet. The deep footprints of differing sizes and shapes scattered about tickled her curious mind. She could have speculated that it served as a pathway, but it surprised her to hear how many different people utilized the same path.

Another moment of silence later, she further asked, “Why’s the village called Twin Lakes? Are there actually two lakes in the village?”

“Mmm, maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t, or maybe a twin has ownership of the lake. You’ll have to see it for yourself to find out,” Gruff said; Gail could hear him smirking as he spoke.

“Come on, Gruff, even you got me curious!” exclaimed Sydney, which Gruff laughed at. Sydney added, “Oh, I swear I’m going to find something in my scouting that’s gonna impress you. Just you wait.” A huge grin was on her face. From Gail’s perspective, it almost looked like she was racing after Gruff in a competitive yet passionate manner.

After another moment of traveling, they slowed down once Alice’s village came into view. Gail was awestruck, as was Sydney and Durin, as their eyes landed on the many different structures. Made of stone and wooden logs, they all looked to serve as shelters, like separate dens of different dimensions out in the open instead of inside a mountain.

Even before they entered the village itself, the road was mostly cleared of snow, and it was lit up by lanterns hanging from wooden posts. Gail’s eyes glimmered in fascination, seeing the flames inside the lanterns kindle without the use of any arcane gem.

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A little bit away from the other buildings, a watchtower stood with a bobcat stationed in it. He caught sight of them and gave a wave, mostly directed toward Alice and Gruff. “Oi! Good to see you again, Gruff, and even greater to see you bringing Alice back. I caught wind of your father requesting guards to come search for you if you didn’t come back by sundown.”

“Good to see you too, Clid,” Gruff replied with a wave back. “It was thankful luck that Alice wound up into our cave. It’s gotten more dangerous out there now, supposedly.”

“And I’m guessing these folks are your packmates?” Clid gestured at the other three wolves with his snout. Gruff nodded in response. With Clid’s eyes on Gail, he commented, “It seems you’ve acquainted yourself quite well with them already, Alice.”

Alice let out an awkward laugh. “Yeah, they’re quite nice people.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you all made it here before the storm caught you. The weather hasn’t been too kind lately; this is like the second snowstorm this month, and it ain’t getting better anytime soon.”

Being allowed entry, the party continued onward into the village.

Gail couldn’t take her curious eyes off the structures that surrounded them. They were spaced apart, the spaces in between them being pathways with some of them being occupied by socializing Ferians. Despite having met the Bramble Bonds, seeing the different kinds of Ferians outside of wolves still made her eyes shine with amazement to see more kinds of Ferians like bobcats, leopards, deer, and weasels. Glancing over, she could see how culture shocked Sydney and Durin were as well.

Gruff looked as well and chuckled. “I’ve always wondered how everyone else would react to stepping into this village. Looks like I got my answer now.”

“For how long have you been visiting this place?” asked Gail.

“I don’t visit it often, only when I know the Deltas are given a lot of spare time. I first stumbled into this village about…six or so moons ago.”

“And in those six months, you kept teasing us about this marvelous place,” Sydney commented. She watched a group of children playing in front of a small building with a smile, hearing their cheers and laughter. “I gotta say, it’s living way past my expectations.” She nudged Durin with an elbow. “And I’m guessing same with you, Durin, with how you’re catching flies with your mouth.”

“Eh?” Durin closed her mouth and nudged her back, uttering a disgruntled cry. She then gave an embarrassed smile. “

They reached a central spacious area with a well in the middle. Stacks of empty buckets were piled in a box beside it, and Gail wondered how much trouble getting water was in this chilly climate. Along the edges of the area were a few more structures, larger than the ones they had been passing by. Gail guessed that the larger buildings would be reserved for whoever was higher ranking in this village, but through the windows she could see several Ferians inside and people entering and leaving through each structure’s doors as they pleased. Gruff seemed to be leading them to one of those buildings.

Gail recalled seeing all these in a few of Sierra’s books. They were about Ferian civilization. Being stuck in a cave for all her life, she could only see villages like this in books. Of course she would chalk them up as being fantasy as all she ever knew was the pack. She would hear of the Deltas trading with outsiders, but she never saw alien Ferians for herself, but that changed when she met Reed and Yvette in their pack—and now Alice and her village.

When they neared one of the buildings, a burly wolf exited it. He was slipping a thick coat on, grumbling something under his breath. His expression was a blend of irritated and troubled. Upon spotting the Gruff and the rest, his eyes lit up. He then looked at Alice and uttered a gasp. “Alice!”

As the big wolf headed toward them, so did Alice. Letting go of Gail after clinging on for so long, she ran toward the other wolf to embrace each other.

“Oh, I was about to go looking for you myself, darling. I’m so glad you’re safe,” the older wolf said. He had to crouch just to be level with Alice as he tightened her embrace.

“I’m sorry for worrying you, dad. I promise I won’t explore too far next time.”

The two continued hugging each other in uninterrupted silence. After a few more sobs and wiping the tears off his face, the paternal wolf stood up and looked at Gruff who padded closer. “Seeing as you’re here all of a sudden, I can only assume that my little girl managed to end up in your family’s place?”

“Perhaps.” Gruff smiled. “Good to see you again, Cole.”

Cole, without letting a hand leave Alice’s shoulder, took a step and gave a friendly smack to Gruff’s back. “And it’s great to see you too, friend.” He looked at Gail and the rest. “Seems like today’s a day of acquainting to each other’s family.”

Sydney commented, “Wait, Gruff mentioned us as his family?”

“Are you disagreeing?” remarked Gruff with a smirk.

“No, I just find that so adorable.”

Gail also found that to be adorable as well. She wondered if Clid, the bobcat guard earlier, also thought that the pack was Gruff’s family as well, seeing as he only referred to them as his packmates. That would be more correct, but being called family felt more meaningful.

“Well then, after fetching my daughter from however far she wandered off, you lot must be starving,” Cole said. “Come on in, I’ll have a feast served fresh for you on the house!”

Upon being offered free food, all their stomachs collectively growled in greedy anticipation. Noon was when Gail had last eaten, and most likely the same for Gruff and Durin. She could only think of how delectable the food here must be as she didn’t realize herself and the rest entering the inn.

The change of atmosphere was immediate as the warmth of indoors blanketed them. The inn was lively—people were grouped in several tables, exchanging jokes and stories and clinking tankards of drinks that Gail did not recognize. In one long table, people were gathered around two brawny Ferians, a bear and a tiger, who sat on opposite sides, firmly gripping the other’s hand with their elbows on the table and trying to overpower the other.

Smaller groups sat at other tables having intimate conversations as they enjoyed steaming meals. Gail looked at them with envious eyes, imagining the foreign flavors and textures of the meat on everyone’s plate. She wasn’t as shocked to know that most people here rarely hunted the food that they eat. She’d read it already from Sierra’s books, though it was still surreal to see it for herself, and seeing the trend of cooked food continue here as well. She glanced at Sydney and Durin, seeing their faces still be in awe at everything.

Seeing the Deltas reach for their pockets to deactivate their arcane gems, Gail reached for her own. She grimaced a little upon squeezing it in her hand. There was the fear of singeing herself again or causing a bright flash in the room through her pouch, but with concentration she snuffed out the heat from the gem. Starting to get the hang of it, maybe.

Gruff took a seat at a vacant long table near the counter and the rest of them followed suit. From his grin it was obvious he was also eager to chomp down on some free food. Alice also sat with them, taking a spot between Gail and Durin as Sydney and Gruff sat across them.

Cole laughed, seeing Alice sit comfortably between the two. “Now normally I’d have you serve your own food along with the rest, dear, but I supposed I’ll make an exception tonight. I’ll have my crew serve you all something that you’ll never forget.” He padded away toward the counter. Through an open window in the wall, he issued orders to whoever were in the backroom. He then attended to a lynx who took a seat by the counter.

Sydney looked to Gruff and whisper-yelled, “This feels weird! The free food is appreciated, but having them served to us by someone else is just…weird!”

“And they cook the food here, right?” added Durin. “I recall trying to cook prey out in the field when I had a flame arcane gem, though I’m not sure if I did it right. It tasted rather awful….”

“Oh, you’ve tried cooking food before?” Gail asked, surprised; Durin nodded. “Huh. I haven’t tried to cook them myself, but Sierra does. You could ask her if you wanna try more cooked food. They actually taste decent.”

Durin’s eyes—and also Sydney’s and Gruff’s—glimmered. Alice looked at them with wide eyes, most likely in disbelief that they had never eaten something that she eats every day. Despite

“I’ll keep that in mind next time,” Durin said regarding Sierra’s cooking. “I’m assuming this is not known to the others, so I’ll keep my mouth sealed regarding it.”

“I guess it is sort of a secret, but it shouldn’t be the end of the world if the other wolves found out about us eating cooked, right? We still hunt the prey we eat, not having it spoon-fed to us.”

“But it goes against what we’ve been doing for years,” Sydney said. “Not that I mind you or Sierra or any other Ferian eating cooked, but the Gammas or the Alphas would see it as a problem. Breaking traditions, you know?”

Gail was going to mention that Terra might’ve eaten cooked food before, but that was only an assumption after seeing her connection with the Bramble Bonds. For all she knew, Terra could despise cooking prey and would rather scorch the food to ashes if she were given cooked morsel.

They waited for their food, tossing conversations every now and then that were made awkward with all the unfamiliar faces around them. The strength contest between the bear and the tiger ended with the tiger cheering and chugging a tankard after slamming the bear’s hand against the table. Gail didn’t know how many times they’d done it, but if it were just that single round then it lasted longer than she’d anticipated. As boastful as the tiger was, roaring, “I knew all that four-legged running paid off,” he still reached across the table to offer a respectful handshake with the bear.

Sydney leaned toward Gruff and whispered, “I could so definitely beat both of them in whatever they were doing.”

Gruff chuckled. “I’m sure you could. We could arm wrestle in the den when we get back. I bet I’ll beat you more.”

“Is that a challenge?” They stared each other down with toothy grins, their eyes defiant yet playful.

Gail enjoyed watching them both jab at each other like this, maybe even more so than their tender moments together that she would catch glimpses of. It reminded her of her and Sierra. A wistful sigh left her as she recalled the last time she’d been to the Sanctuary with Sierra. She wished she could have had her fur inked in their Sanctuary, but now being the Beta, she had to spend more time in the cave. Much like Gruff giving his report earlier, an emergency that required her presence could surface at any moment.

Finally, their food arrived, being served by a lithe tigress and Cole himself. The plates of steaming steak and mixed vegetables were set in front of each of the wolves along with an empty bowl beside it. In addition, a sizeable bowl of beef stew and a basket of garlic bread was served in the middle of the table for all to take from. Beverages were also prepared for them—Gruff, Sydney, and Durin received a drink that was layered in foam, and Gail and Alice received drinks that gave off a sweet scent and didn’t foam as much. Snapping out of her trance from staring at their inviting meal, she leaned forward a bit to barely sniff out Gruff’s drink among the blending aroma of their food, and she was glad she didn’t catch its full scent as she reeled her head back. It burnt her nostrils, her throat some even.

“Ugh, what is that?” she couldn’t help asking. “It reeks like acid or something.”

“Ah, I figured you’d have that reaction,” answered Cole. “Don’t worry about it, lass. It’s not a drink meant for you anyway, but I still got you something nice. I know Gruff likes what he got, though I’m not sure if you two would enjoy it as well.”

After seeing Gail’s reaction, Sydney and Durin sniffed their foamy tankards as well. They shared similar reactions, wrinkling their noses, but Sydney looked less repulsed by it. “I think I’ve had one of these before. Can’t remember whether it was good or bad, but I’m not opposed to drinking it now again.”

Meanwhile, Durin looked unsure if she was going to enjoy drinking it. “I suppose I wouldn’t be opposed to it either. Though, I’m more interested in how the food’s going to taste.” She returned to gawking at her steak and the stew and the bread. “They all look so delectable.”

Cole let out a hearty laugh. “My crew will be happy to hear that, but they’d be happier if you get to eating them.”

“I’ve heard that this is your first time eating something of this quality, so we made sure to make your meal as best as we could,” the tigress said. “That is pretty surprising to hear though! You just might be the first batch of customers we’ve had that’s never had a taste of steak or even bread. Of course, I’ve already served Gruff here before a few times, but I do hope the rest of you enjoy your food.”

“You don’t need to mention that, Lisa,” Gruff said, a bit embarrassed. “But yes, I can attest that Lisa’s and the rest’s cooking is wonderful.”

The tigress bowed her head with a bright smile and returned to the room behind the counter.

Gruff looked at the others, shrugged, and said, “Let’s dig in.” He grabbed his fork and knife and began cutting a portion of his steak. Having no clue on how the utensils were used, everyone else watched him for a bit, and it was until he started chewing that he realized that their eyes were on him. “Um…it’s not poisoned, if that’s what you were waiting for.”

Alice couldn’t suppress her giggling, spilling a bit of stew as she was filling her bowl. “Now who are the ones looking like cubs.”

“Oh, very funny, Alice,” said Sydney with a chuckle. “We’re just…observing Gruff’s approach to the food, because he’s clearly well-informed of the culture of this place.”

“Pfft. That just makes it sound weirder but sure. Just think of the fork and spoon as your weapons, and you gotta attack the prey that’s in front of you—also imagine that the prey is most definitely alive, and also please try to not somehow stab through the plate and table.”

After many exchanges of teasing and laughing, everyone attended to their food. From the first bite up until the current 10th bite, Gail’s mouth watered from the strong exotic flavor. Even the simple garlic bread tasted grander than a hare eaten fresh after being hunted. It felt wrong to even think about, but a part of her would choose this food over any of the raw prey that the pack had feasted on. She feared that she would be the only one of them to have enjoyed the food this much, but from the satisfied faces of everyone else, maybe she didn’t think too differently.

Durin said, “Okay, I misjudged how cooked food was going to taste, and I did mess up cooking prey before, because this tastes much more splendid.”

“Isn’t it?” Sydney added. She swallowed and licked the bit of stew off her lips. “It’s so much better than I expected! And this ale tastes better than it smells,” she said and proceeded to take a swig from her tankard.

Durin did the same, though her face twisted at the bitter taste of her drink. “Maybe it does for you, but alcohol is an acquired taste for me. I still prefer the few amounts of tea we manage to trade every other week.”

Sydney looked at Gail. “Hey, I know I said that the other wolves would be against this sort of change, but um…would it be too much to ask if you could maybe…introduce cooking to the pack?”

“Hah, quick to take a 180 from what you said earlier?” Gruff teased.

“Hey! I never said I would disagree with the notion. I’d be even more motivated in our few hunting sessions if we got to eat something like this every day.”

Gail chuckled as she considered Sydney’s request for a moment. “I could certainly try to bring it up to the Alphas, but since I’m pretty sure Zane will go against whatever I say, it’s up to the rest of the pack to help decide on that big of a change. You all like it, and so does Sierra, but we can’t speak for the other wolves who also grew up eating raw.”

Alice winced at the reality their pack lived in. “I can’t imagine eating raw food for my entire life. I had a bite of frozen meat before, and I had to stay in bed all day because it made my stomach hurt.”

Gail couldn’t make that comparison between the cooked food here and the raw prey pile in their home. She grew up to enjoy the once bizarre flavor of a freshly hunted hare or finch, as did the rest of the pack. Then she recalled Reed’s and Yvette’s pack, who was enjoying a serving of warm stew, and now the patrons of the inn here

Cole came striding to their table, grinning from ear-to-ear. “I couldn’t help watching you lot eat the entire time. I gotta say, it was quite amusing seeing you get a taste of fine cooking for the first time ever. Anyway, I’ve got your rooms spruced up now. You can head over there after you finish enjoying yourselves—just take the third and fourth doors on your left once you get up to the second story. Split up the rooms however you want.”

“Excuse me, rooms?” Gail asked with great confusion.

“Yeah? You weren’t planning on heading out there now, were you? A storm’s coming. It’s only a matter of time until it hits here. Going out there now, there’s no telling if you’ll make it to your home, and if I’m not mistaken it’s coming from the direction of where you’re heading.”

The storm was coming from their cave’s direction as they had already felt a bit of it before they departed, but they needed to be home tonight. She looked at her packmates. “I told Terra that we’ll be back tonight,” she said, and it only further dampened their mood. Her stomach suddenly felt empty and it twisted at seeing their dejected faces.

“We’ll follow whatever you wish, Gail,” said Gruff in his earnest tone. “If you want to trudge through the storm, we will come with you.”

“We’ve gone through worse before, anyway,” Sydney added, offering a confident grin. “We have the arcane gems to give us heat, so we shouldn’t freeze to death out there.”

Gail looked at them both. Though she appreciated their trust in her, she felt bad hearing that they would agree to travel through a snowstorm as though it was expected of them. She looked at Durin, who tried to look positive, but her unease was leaking through her tiny smile.

She wanted to keep her word to Terra and report back tonight. It would be a way to prove that she could uphold her responsibilities as a Beta and that she could be, but what would be the better decision—to keep her word by being punctual and pushing through harsh conditions, or to prioritize the safety and happiness of her packmates?

Shaking her head, she let out a sigh. When put like that, she knew which choice was more favorable, and it would be the one that would most likely increase tension with her fellow Beta. She offered a reassuring smile to her packmates. “No, it’s fine. I don’t want you all to fall into harm, and it’d be difficult to navigate through a storm anyway.” She looked at Cole. “We accept your offer with our sincerest gratitude.”