Elaika was helping a human soldier stack freshly chopped firewood near the edge of the camp. The biting cold barely touched her skin, but she noticed how the human's fingers trembled with each piece he lifted. Unlike werewolves, humans weren't built to withstand such merciless winters for long.
"Hello, Princess!" the soldier greeted cheerfully, bowing when he spotted Gloria approaching.
Elaika rolled her eyes and let out a quiet, annoyed huff. She didn't respond. Instead, she tightened her grip on the log in her arms and dropped it with a heavy thud onto the pile.
"We need to talk," Ren demanded, her voice calm.
"No. We don't," Elaika snapped, not even turning to face her. "You're the Luna Queen. You shouldn't be here."
"It's about your brother," Gloria said gently.
