Chapter 65

The treaty held for three weeks before the first test came.

Arianna was reviewing trade protocols with Thomas when Helena burst into her office, face flushed from running.

"We have a problem. Border incident—one of our patrols found Shadowfang wolves on our side of the new boundary line."

Arianna's stomach dropped. So this was it—Viktor's first violation, the betrayal she'd been expecting. "How many wolves? Are they armed?"

"Just two. They claim they were tracking a deer and accidentally crossed the border while hunting. Our patrol detained them and is waiting for instructions."

Just two wolves. Hunting accident or deliberate provocation? Arianna exchanged glances with Thomas, who looked...