Chapter 76

Summer arrived in full force, bringing with it the season of growth, festivals, and the kind of prosperity that came from months without major crisis. Ravenwood's settlements were thriving—crops abundant, trade flowing smoothly, wolves living with the kind of relaxed confidence that came from actual stability rather than just temporary calm between disasters.

Arianna found herself dealing with success, which was somehow more disorienting than managing crisis.

"We have a surplus," Thomas announced during a council meeting, presenting financial reports with barely concealed satisfaction. "Actual surplus. More resources than we need for immediate consumption, enough to invest in long-term projects or build reserves for future challenges."

"That seems......