In the neighboring territory of the Bloodfang Pack, the atmosphere inside the fortress war room was thick with the scent of pine wood and old parchment. Valex sat in a high-backed leather chair across the massive oak map table from King Sylas, who chose to conduct his private meetings here rather than the formal grandeur of his throne room. Kael stood straight and composed behind Valex.
Valex looked entirely composed, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as his dark eyes scanned the plotted border lines on the map between their two packs.
"The western crossing has always been a blind spot for both our territories, Sylas," Valex said, his voice deep, steady, and carrying his usual commanding weight. "If we do not synchronize our patrol schedules, rogue factions will continue to exploit the gap."
