Ryan P. O. V

The Next Morning

I read through the territory reports, my eyes brows furrowed. “Food shortages in the Central Plane… another complaint from the Native Wolves about the Exiles raiding their stores… and this, a dispute over territory issues. Again”.

I sighed, my blood boiling with frustration. “How come there are so many pending issues?” I asked but didn't bother to look up, just kept flipping through the pages of the reports on my desk.

The silence that followed made me pause, and I raised my head to find Ashford staring off into space.

“Ashford”. I barked, my voice sharp.

He blinked, focusing on me. I tossed...