Chapter 78

The joint infrastructure projects began cautiously, with both packs approaching the collaboration like it might explode at any moment.

The first project was a trade post at a border crossing that had historically been contested territory—now formally Ravenwood's under the treaty, but positioned where it would benefit both packs' merchants. A small team from each territory worked together under constant supervision, every interaction carefully monitored for signs of hostility or intelligence gathering.

"They're being remarkably professional," Helena reported after the first week. "Shadowfang's workers are competent, focused on the actual construction rather than causing problems. Almost suspicious how smooth it's going."

"Maybe Viktor genuinely wants this to succeed,"...