Chapter 21. Runts

November 27th, xxxx - PRECIOUS' POV

A MEMBER OF THE pack, Mura, had found nine runts - eight children and one baby - hidden in the canyons below and raised the alarm.

Alpha North had instructed the Sergeant to see to care for the runts. Major Leira was tasked with finding exactly how the runts breached their security and eliminate any weakness.

Now, Alpha North leans against his desk in his office, holding an audience with the Captain, Elder Yotu and Mura on what to do with the runts.

“Unfortunately, we’re not taking them in,” he announces, and silence descends.

“But why?” Mura speaks first, her lips thinning.

“We have nowhere to keep them. They’re nine more mouths to feed—”

“We can find a way,” she interrupts, “I know we have food. I’m a farmer.”

“We have food for North Star,” he emphasizes, “Winter is coming, we don’t extra for strangers.”

“They are children, Alpha,” she punches her palm, “We can’t kick them out. Where will the