The mocking laughter of the Montgomery sycophants grew harsher. Several high-ranking lupines looked at Avery as if she were a rogue found scavenging in their trash.

"It turns the stomach to share the same scent-space with a pup-thief and her exile mother."

"Can the Enforcers not drag them out of the Silver Ridge before they stain the floors?"

Paying no heed to the taunts of the clueless onlookers, Avery calmly pulled out her communication stone. She flicked through the projection album until she found the digital Blood-Seal certificate for an emerald-encrusted torque she had recently acquired. The document verified a purchase price that tripled the value of the trinket Evelyn...