Elder Thomas cleared his throat. "Redwood is circling, Alpha," he said gravely. "We are afraid. Rumours say their alpha is raising an army. The only reason he hasn't stepped into Crestwood yet is because we have the Shadow Wolf." He met Eric's eyes head-on. "We have to ensure the line doesn't end with you."
Eric removed his foot at last. Eric turned away without a backward glance and began to pace. He stopped at the tallest window and braced both arms against the frame, spreading himself wide.
"What evidence do you have of Redwood circling?" he asked. Beneath the calm, his mind churned. Redwood never moved without reason. And if they were bold enough to sniff around his territory, it meant they were testing him. Testing how far they could go before he snapped. His jaw tightened.
Elder Thomas answered. "Their alpha has been spotted uninvited inside Crestwood a couple of times. Word is he has spies living among us."
