POV: Aphrodite
Humans choose. Wolves are chosen.
Morning comes with frost on the ground and tension still crackling between the twins and Kai. Nobody slept well. The bonds kept pulsing with unresolved questions all night.
We're breaking camp when Kai approaches, his expression calm and purposeful. "I can guide you through this territory more efficiently."
Everyone stops. Listens.
"I know the ruins ahead," Kai continues, addressing the group but his eyes finding mine. "Old roads that bypass the worst corrupted zones. Stories about Direwolves that might be relevant to where you're going."
"We don't need a guide," Draco says. His voice is controlled, carefully neutral. Not challenging. Just stating what he believes is fact.
"You don't," Kai agrees easily. "You could navigate this territory eventually. Probably lose a few days. Maybe lose someone to corrupted beasts or divine traps. But you'd survive."
"Then why offer?" Lucen asks.
