The second representative, who had been quieter until then, finally spoke.
His name was Elias.
Unlike Marcus, he didn't seem eager to force the original proposal through.
"Perhaps we should look at the alternatives," Elias said calmly. "Alpha Jason has made his position clear."
Marcus turned toward him.
"We were sent here to negotiate, not to return with nothing."
"And we're still negotiating," Elias replied.
Marcus looked dissatisfied, but he didn't immediately respond.
Jason took the opportunity to explain his position again, this time without the sharpness that had been present earlier. He went over what Silver Hollow could realistically offer and why certain parts of Conrad's proposal were unacceptable.
The conversation continued for some time.
There were moments when Marcus
