Chapter 114

For all those who respected Netya’s besting of her rival, Khelt was not among them. The news reached his ears quickly after his return the following day. He seemed tired. Flecks of melting snow clung to his fur cloak, and his eyes were hollow with a lack of sleep.

An impatient snarl crossed his face when he learned of what had happened, and Netya almost expected him to accost her right there in front of the pack. He held himself in check, however, waiting until she was alone before taking her aside behind one of the tents. Gripping her by the shoulders, he looked on his mate-to-be as if he was admonishing a disobedient child.

“What authority do you have to make such decisions, Netya?” he said. “Spirits help me, if we had the time I would lead scouts out to bring back Vaya myself. Every strong hunter is precious to us in times like this, and Vaya was one of my best. The result of your squabbles may end up harming our pack more than you know. It is my place to deal with su