The wind carried grains of dust across the barren land. Every step we took left clear traces between the cracked earth.
Located at the far west of the West Region, Sand Pack was indeed hotter, with a longer summer. Still, the fact that a pack had survived here for hundreds of years meant this place should have been livable.
But looking at its current state, I wasn't sure it would remain so even ten years from now.
Richard seemed to share the same concern. I quickened my pace, matching his stride just as he began speaking to Alpha Sand.
"I want to know," Richard said calmly, "why you allowed unidentified people to enter and settle in your territory."
Alpha Sand let out an awkward laugh, trying to mask his unease. "There are no such people in this pack, Commander."
"People who aren't registered as permanent residents. Those wandering near the warehouses and borders. I know they're not regular pack members."
Alpha Sand's steps slowed slightly.
