---- Without waiting for anyone, Verak followed the allied Alpha, who was leading his people through another security gate.


    Come this way! they heard Veraksmand.


    Lyra and Drakkar were at the end, but Lyra noticed that Omar, the veteran wolf, wanted to say something to Verak discreetly.


    stop right there! Your pack cant enter the inner circle, two muscr warriors stopped him.


    But they just went in! Verak pointed to the others already lost in the crowd.


    They brought valuable things.


    And you? Their eyes looked down on the worn leather bags.


    All youve got is some rancid meat and scraps.


    Your ce is over there.


    He pointed to a small open space hidden among some bushes. Verak wanted to keep arguing, but he wasnt in his own pack where he could hide behind daddys title.


    Omar grabbed his arm and pulled him aside.


    verak, I didnt have time to exin the setup.


    This pack has two trade zonesone more important than the other.


    You''re a fucking idiot! he growled at the man, pushing him and ---- walking toward the area they were assigned.


    Other men had already set up camp on both sides of the space, and the stench of their rotting meat made him want to puke.


    suddenly, Lyra overheard a conversation near the gate.


    My mate can pay for afortable hut, a she-wolf was talking to the guards.


    Check these ceramic jars.


    They brought out heavy terracotta-colored vessels.


    They werent as refined or well-made as those from the Lycan Kings pce, but they were the best Lyra had seen here. There are very few huts left, and many packs have already brought ceramics, one of the guards replied.


    Its not enough.


    He dismissed the woman right awayshe couldnt bargain much.


    see? Thats why they called us beggars, Lorenzos mate whispered in her ear, and the murmurs of disappointment quickly spread among the others.


    Most were first-timers, full of hope, thinking their pack was top- tieronly to realize they were at the bottom of the barrel.


    Lyras mind was racing.


    Those jars were exactly what she needed to store the drink She was determined to get afortable ce to stay for her and ---- her mate.


    Drakkar, take our things.


    Lets take a walk around this area, she said, keeping her eyes on the she-wolf with the jars as she walked away, discouraged.


    Verak saw them leave and could barely contain the rage inside him. He hadpletely embarrassed himself in front of Lyra.


    Ts there any way to enter the main circle? he asked Omar quietly while everyone elseid out their nkets and disyed goods for trade.


    well, yes...


    but its risky and dangerous.


    What is it? Verak was dead set.


    Its a savage fight betweenpetitors.


    If you win in this zone, they let youpete in the central one and bring your people along, he exined, pointing to the guarded gate in the palisade.


    Where do I sign up? Verak didnt hesitate for even a second, even if it meant getting beaten to death.


    Meanwhile, Lyra was all about business.


    She would sleep privately with her mateno matter what.