“And your exports?” River asked quietly.
Ronnel’s jaw tensed at her voice, but he answered.
“We trade mostly to packs along the eastern borders. Some goods to the Capital. We keep what we need to defend our land, the rest gets taxed or sold.”
“And your people?” Heiko asked. “Living conditions? Schooling? Medical?”
That drew a pause. The Alpha didn’t answer immediately.
“We survive,” he finally said. “Always have. We’re mountain folk. We don’t expect luxury.”
River’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Surviving and thriving are two different things, Alpha.”
His brow twitched, but he said nothing.
Heiko nodded slowly.
“I’ll want to tour the facilities. And we’ll also be looking at your records—taxes, supply chains, and your recent trade logs. This visit is not ceremonial. It’s administrative
