chapter 5: Rumors Begin

"Did you hear what happened at the gathering?" one Silvermist warrior whispered to another, casting wary glances around the dimly lit common room. "Ethan Blackwood and Avery Silvermist were practically glued to each other."

"Of course I heard," replied the second warrior, his tone low and conspiratorial. "Some say it's a strategy to undermine our pack. He's been eyeing our territory for too long."

"Or maybe it's just a romantic fling," the first warrior scoffed, rolling his eyes. "But you can't ignore the risks. If Ethan's focused on her, what does that mean for our pack?"

"I'd say it means trouble," the second warrior replied, glancing toward the elders' chamber, where hushed voices were rising in concern. "Ethan's interest could be a ruse to weaken us, and the last thing we need is our Alpha distracted by a librarian."