The Scentless Intruder

The crisp breeze rolling off the lake cooled the lingering tension of the council room.

Beside Valera on the rocky shoreline, Magnus traced his jaw.

"The elders weren't wrong," he exhaled. "Every argument they brought to the table held merit."

Valera studied his profile. "And what about you? Where do your instincts lean?"

He shifted to face her completely. "We fortify our perimeters in the s