Beneath each announcement, relatives and pack-kin left their marks of approval and congratulation.
I scrolled through every post. Kael Stormhart had written nothing.
But in the images shared by his hunting companions, I found what I needed.
He had purchased new tracking gear and ventured to the coastal hunting grounds with his friends.
I let out a cold breath, capturing every image as evidence.
Half a moon-cycle later, my mother was cleared to leave the healer-den.
I did not bring my parents back to our old dwelling. Instead, I escorted them to a recovery sanctuary in neutral territory.
A difficult battle still lay ahead of me.
When the full moon turned, the deadline arrived.
As expected, Kael's summons came through.
I did not answer.
His voice-message arrived moments later, sharp with barely contained fury.
"Lyra, what have you done? You took out a debt-oath from the shadow lenders—fifty thousand worth?"
"Collection enforcers are howling at my door! Return to the den immediately and explain yourself!"
I offered no reply.
After a pause, his voice returned, higher now with disbelief.
"Why is there a Council summons? You actually brought charges against our entire pack? Have you lost your mind?"