Where Alphas Kneel

The forest stills before they see each other.
Their wolves stir beneath skin.

Kael:
"You're standing on Northvein Land."

A pause. Calm footsteps forward.

Althea:
"Your land moved first."

Silence stretches. Thick. Watching.

Kael:
"You don't smell afraid."

Althea:
"I don't make a habit of it."

The moonlight cuts across her face. Too steady. Too composed.

Kael:
"You should have brought guards."

Althea:
"So should you."

A breath. Almost a smile. Almost.

Kael:
"What do they call you."

She does not hesitate.

Althea:
"Alpha."

His wolf surges. Hard. Immediate.

Kael:
"...Good. I don't bow to anything less."

Her gaze sharpens. Unyielding.

Althea:
"Neither do I."

They turn away at the same time.
Neither willing to be the first to look back.

The Moon watches.

And the bond awaits.