Chapter 37

"Pinewood will support you," Elder Sarah said. "With conditions."

Relief flooded through Arianna, followed immediately by wariness. Conditions could mean anything.

"What conditions?" she asked.

Sarah stepped into the guest house, gesturing for privacy. Marcus and Ruth exchanged glances but moved to give them space, positioning themselves near the door to prevent anyone from overhearing.

"First—we won't provide warriors for direct confrontation with Blackthorn. Pinewood is a hunting settlement, not a military outpost. We have maybe five wolves with combat training, and I won't sacrifice them in a fight we can't win."

"Understood," Arianna said. That was reasonable, even if it was disappointing.

"Second—any refugees you send our...