Chapter 72

Spring arrived gradually, the harsh winter finally releasing its grip on Ravenwood territory. With the change in seasons came a shift in the pack's focus—from survival and conflict to growth and rebuilding.

The three months since the joint operation with Shadowfang had passed without major incident. The treaty held. Border violations remained minimal and were handled through established protocols. Trade between territories increased steadily. It wasn't friendship or deep trust, but it was functional cooperation that benefited both packs.

Arianna found herself dealing with an entirely different category of problems—settlement expansion requests, infrastructure improvements, proposals for new trade routes, petitions from wolves seeking to join Ravenwood after hearing...