“Alpha Blackthorn.” She steps forward, her stance balanced between deference and defiance. “Thank you for agreeing to meet.”
“You’ve returned earlier than expected. Did your council not need time for deliberation?”
“I haven’t presented to the full council yet.” This admission surprises me. “After examining your boundary markers, I felt compelled to verify some historical records first.”
She opens her satchel and lays several aged parchments on a flat rock between us.
“These are pre-barrier maps from Haven’s Heart’s archives, showing regional divisions before the vampire-dragon wars.”
I examine the faded document, shock rippling through me as I see Shadow Wolf’s domain clearly marked—extending beyond our current claims, encompassing all three disputed settlements and stretching to the northern mountains.
“This is official Haven’s Heart documentation?”
“Yes. And here—” she produces another weathered parchment “—is a treaty signed between Shadow Wolf representatives and the Dragon Alliance four hundred years ago, formally recognizing your clan’s sovereign domain before the barriers were created.”
I stare at the treaty, instantly recognizing the distinctive mark of Alpha Kiran Blackthorn—my ancestor, fifteen generations removed. Our oral tradition preserved hisname, but I’d never seen tangible proof of his negotiations with dragon-kind.
“Where did you discover these?”
“In sealed archives. Files considered obsolete after the barriers were established.” I hear regret in her tone. “Most Haven’s Heart diplomats lack clearance to access them, but as Territorial Ambassador, I have broader authorization.”
“Why show me before presenting to your council?”
“Because they validated everything you showed me yesterday. Your clan’s claim isn’t merely sentimental attachment to ancestral lands—it’s legally documented.” She fixes me with a direct look. “The council should know this before negotiations proceed.”
For a long moment, I find myself without words. This was the last thing I expected from a Haven’s Heart representative—this recognition of our legitimate claim, this... honesty.
“These documents alone won’t sway your council,” I finally say. “They’ve occupied these lands for generations.”
“True. But they provide a foundation for actual negotiation rather than dismissing your clan as invaders.” She unfolds another map. “This shows the original settlement perimeters, which were substantially smaller than today’s boundaries. I believe we could use these records to forge a compromise respecting both historical rights and current realities.”
I walk around the stone, noting how the settlements have expanded far beyond their initial borders over two centuries.
“You’ve analyzed these thoroughly.”
“I worked through the night.” She offers a brief smile. “History captivates me. Especially when it challenges comfortable assumptions.”
“What does your brother think of your research?” I ask, knowing Kade Steelclaw holds considerable influence within Haven’s Heart.
Her expression hardens. “He’s unaware of it. He’s currently in the eastern regions handling other emerging wild clans.”
So she’s operating without her main political support. Intriguing.
“What exactly do you propose, Ambassador?”
“A historical precedent approach to our talks.” She points to specific areas on the maps. “Your heritage claim to Shadow Wolf domains would receive formal acknowledgment. The original settlement zones would be recognized as developed areas with established rights. The expanded regions would undergo detailed discussion, possibly allowing shared usage.”
I’ve never heard a Haven’s Heart representative mention shared lands or acknowledge ancestral rights. It’s... unexpectedly sensible.
“Your council will immediately oppose this,” I point out.
“Some will certainly try. That’s why I want you to attend the presentation with me.” She holds my stare. “Your presence, your own explanation of these boundary markers, would make the historical truth impossible to ignore.”
“You want me inside Haven’s Heart?” I don’t hide my disbelief. No wild shifter has willingly entered their headquarters in centuries.
“With complete diplomatic protection and my personal guarantee of safety,” she adds. “Your voice should be heard directly, not filtered through my interpretation.”
I pace the clearing, contemplating implications. Entering Haven’s Heart would appear as weakness to some pack members, strength to others. Marcus would objectvehemently, but the elders who favor diplomatic solutions might approve. Most importantly, it shows my willingness to use every possible tool to reclaim what’s ours.
