His ears twitched at the call, his pale brows furrowing together as he rose from his perch at the river’s edge. The familiarity of it beckoned the Arctic forward but filled his head with a series of questions. He had not seen Askan and his mate, Reyes, at the hunt between the river wolves and Wild Rye and had been wondering where the pair disappeared to. There hadn’t been much time for proper conversation between the two packs, so his questions had not been answered at the hunt. But, it seemed like Lachesis was going to get his answers now, for the latter was knocking on his door.

His own mate was still under the weather, so he did not expect her to show up at the borders to greet their guest. Inna was usually not far behind his heels, or ahead of him, so he expected her nose to poke around. Especially since it was Reyes calling and not a loner.

As he neared the borders his pace slowed, a soft grin tugging at his lips. Reyes, he greeted, his shoulders relaxed and tail sweeping behind him. The dark wolf smelt of Askan and others—wolves who did not carry the Rye scent. His interest peaked, his chartreuse gaze soft. What brings you to the river?

It did not take long for Inna to join him. He knew that the dark male’s scent would attract the Baranski, for XIX knew that she was not fond of the scarred wolf. She would no doubt be curious as to why he was paying the river wolves a visit—just as he was. His legs stiffened as she flanked him, her fiery gaze fixated on their guest, not a word dripping off her tongue. These were his borders; he would not tolerate an outburst from the raven, not in front of Reyes. Lachesis had nothing against the southern wolf and his mate; he considered them some of his closest friends in the Lore.

His ears cupped forward as Reyes addressed him once more, speaking of Askan and… they had founded a pack? The news caused his tail to wag excitedly behind him, a wide smile breaking across his pale features. Two days south. That was do-able. Much closer than the golden fields had been, which meant Lachesis would have to pay the new leaders a visit (and to snoop). That’s wonderful news, he chirped in response, his tone genuine. He knew that the incident regarding Inna and Lorcán had stirred up some issues with both males and the Fields’ leaders, so the Stark was not surprised to learn that they had left and created their own pack. In fact, he was happy for them. I was wondering what had happened to the two of you when I didn’t see either of you at the hunt with Wild Rye. They were off doing bigger and better things. Didn’t peg either of you for the rye type, anyway, he added, a small laugh following his words.

The ghost’s expression remained neutral at Reyes’ comment about the clusterfrick that had occurred at the Rye borders. He had been both disappointed and shocked in his subordinates’ actions, even with knowing that they had been egged on by Reyan. Just because the pair had been brash with their own words did not mean Inna and Lorcán (especially the former) should have reacted the way they did. Threatening to sever an alliance over a few careless words was unacceptable—especially when it was not Inna’s place to even suggest the idea. Plus, the raven Baranski had told a different story, claiming the one Reyes had shared with him was inaccurate. But the ghost trusted the dark male just as much as he trusted his own packmates. Reyes had never given him a reason not to trust him.

That’s good to hear, he mused in response, his muzzle falling to the side. Things between the fields pack and Hearthwood remained good, even with the absence of the dynamic duo. He hoped that would continue, as there was no need for any fighting in the north.

The raven’s words shocked even Lachesis, for she had not expected her to speak or be so friendly toward the scarred male. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before turning back to the charcoal man, a firm nod confirming her words. If you need anything do not hesitate to ask. I always carry a good stock of herbs, he added, his tail sweeping like a banner behind him, a soft smile causing his lips to curve upward. Hearthwood will be there for you whenever you need us, he assured the new leader, another nod accenting his words.