GREENWOOD’S POV

The maps that spread across the table were covered in crimson ink, every fresh stain marking another loss along the border grids. I leaned my weight against the edge of the wood, my fist hardened, staring down at the carved lines representing our northern trade routes. 

"Another one, Alpha," Lord Vance said, his voice hesitant as he stepped into the light of the hearth. "The third supply train this month. intercepted near the low ridges."

I didn't look up from the map. "What were they carrying?"

"Four crates of raw moonlit herbs, two barrels of the refined tonic, and the seasonal silver coin for the southern merchants," Vance...