“This route cuts through Dark Moon land,” Jon continued. “Your merchants, soldiers, even scouts—trespassing. Taking. Leeching. You want something from me? Good. But be man enough and come asking for it. I don’t indulge the thieves.”
Heiko sat back, absorbing every word. His mind ran through maps, old agreements, the discrepancies he’d seen in border patrol reports, and the strange resistance from previous Lords to even acknowledge the Dark Moon Pack’s claim.
“And if I agree to shut down the route or come to a beneficial understanding?”
Jon’s eyes narrowed.
“Then you can have your runaway. She crossed into my land three nights ago. Frightened. Half-starved. Hunted. I gave her food, shelter, safety. But make no mistake—I’m not a charity.”
Heiko’s voice was calm but laced with steel.
“S
