"She has passed through the critical phase, but the growth within her skull remains. I recommend we perform the extraction ritual now while she recovers. The healing procedures and ongoing tonic regimens will require approximately thirty thousand in resource stipends. Prepare yourselves."
I dipped my chin in acknowledgment.
"I will provide it."
By the following day, my oath-ledger allocation had been credited with fifty thousand.
I transferred every last coin to the healer-den's accounts without hesitation.
Fortune had not abandoned my mother. The moon still watched over her.
After three days of hovering between the veil and the living world, Selene Ashvale's condition finally stabilized.
Throughout those three days, not a single member of the Stormhart pack came. No messenger, no inquiry, not even a whisper of concern.
But the pack's shared message-boards buzzed with celebration.
"Moonblessing payout of one hundred thousand! This lunar cycle has been glorious!"
"Gratitude to our matriarch for her generous distribution! Long live the pack mother!"
"Thank you, grandmother. You are the finest of all."
"Our den-mother is the greatest in all territories!"
Beneath each announcement, relatives and pack-kin left their marks of approval and congratulation.
I scrolled through every post. Kael Stormhart had written nothing.
But in the images shared by his hunting companions, I found what I needed.
He had purchased new tracking gear and ventured to the coastal hunting grounds with his friends.
I let out a cold breath, capturing every image as evidence.
Half a moon-cycle later, my mother was cleared to leave the healer-den.
I did not bring my parents back to our old dwelling. Instead, I escorted them to a recovery sanctuary in neutral territory.
A difficult battle still lay ahead of me.
When the full moon turned, the deadline arrived.
As expected, Kael's summons came through.
I did not answer.
His voice-message arrived moments later, sharp with barely contained fury.
"Lyra, what have you done? You took out a debt-oath from the shadow lenders—fifty thousand worth?"
"Collection enforcers are howling at my door! Return to the den immediately and explain yourself!"
I offered no reply.
After a pause, his voice returned, higher now with disbelief.
"Why is there a Council summons? You actually brought charges against our entire pack? Have you lost your mind?"
My response came measured and cold.