King Paul turned back to them with a look of quiet disbelief, as though his son had just asked for the moon itself. “You misunderstand, Heiko. They do not travel. They do not mingle. The Northern Packs mate, live, and die within their own borders. Their traditions forbid union outside their bloodline. It’s not just pride — it’s law.”
River’s eyes widened. “They… forbid outside mating? This is … extreme…”
Paul nodded gravely. “Yes. It is said that the Northern Alphas believe the mate bond, while sacred, is not always destiny — that it can be manipulated by magic and desire. To them, blood purity preserves strength…” he paused, shaking his head.
Heiko looked at River, disbelief written on his face. “But that’s against everything we believe as a race. The bond is sacred.”
Paul’s tone gre
