The following days brought new routines. Lila practiced her shielding in the main yard with trusted fighters watching. She dulled strikes and protected volunteers, her control improving with each session.
Thorne sat in planting meetings and pointed out better drainage patterns that saved labor.
Elara worked in the healing huts under supervision, easing pain in warriors recovering from old wounds.
The pack saw their efforts and slowly shifted from whispers to pride.
One afternoon I watched from the walls as a southern trader caravan left with fair exchange and firm boundaries. Varak had not returned, but his influence lingered in careful messages and probing questions from other visitors. We answered each one the same. Our children stayed home.
