Once we''re relatively alone, I turn to face her. Up close, I''m reminded of how tall she is, towering over me by at least half a foot. She always seems smaller, with her more lithe and graceful figure.


    I''ve burned a lot of fat lately, but I''ll always be a little more round than she is, even at my fittest.


    "Ivy," I begin, keeping my voice as firm as possible. "We have a small problem."


    "Oh?" Her brow arches, and she tilts her head just a little.


    Somehow I already feel on the defensive, even though I''m the one instigating the conversation.@@@@


    "You pushed the kitchens into using too much of our stock during the last three days. I understand your reasoning, but it isn''t your place to meddle. Elverly knows what she''s doing, and now we are low on supplies. Everyone would have stayed warm and healthy, even without the additional protein."


    Her eyebrows raise slightly. "Oh? I was under the impression that I was helping by ensuring everyone was well-fed. Several of the new arrivals were malnourished and weak, and needed a little extra care."


    I shake my head, tamping down my frustration. "While your intentions might have been good, you''ve been putting a significant strain on our resources. We''re facing a harsh winter, and we need to be mindful of our supplies. We can only afford so much food, and our hunters can''t create miracles when there''s nothing to hunt."


    Ivy''s expression doesn''t change, but I notice a slight tightening around her eyes. "I see. And you believe I''ve overstepped my bounds?"


    "Yes," I say, surprised by the steadiness in my voice. This is easier than I thought it would be. "I understand you''re used to a certain level of authority in your pack, but here, decisions about our resources need to go through me." I pause. "Or Lucas. And in the event neither of us is available, Kellan, our beta."


    She tilts her head, a small smile playing at her lips. "Of course, Luna Ava. I apologize if I''ve caused any inconvenience. I was merely trying to ensure the comfort of our allies."


    There''s something in her tone that sets me on edge, a hint of condescension that makes my hackles rise, if I had any. And is there a little emphasis on my title? But I push my feelings aside, resolving to remain professional.


    "I appreciate your concern," I say, careful to keep my voice neutral. "But in the future, please consult with me before making any decisions that affect our pack''s resources. We''re all in this together, and we need to work as a team."


    She nods, her smile widening. "Absolutely. I wouldn''t dream of undermining your authority, Luna Ava. Is there anything else you need from me?"


    I study her face, searching for any sign of insincerity. But her expression is a perfect mask of compliance and respect. It''s unsettling.


    I stare at the coolers thoughtfully. "We''re using coolers to keep water from freezing in winter, when usually we''d use them to keep water cold in summer."


    Lisa lowers the bottle, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Yeah, it is weird when you think about it."


    "How are you holding up with all of this?" I ask, gesturing vaguely at the training grounds and the young wolves still running their laps.


    Lisa grimaces. "Getting tired of being the slowest one, but it''s fine. I can''t really hold my own during spars, but I''m getting better at avoiding hits. I just can''t keep up."


    We had toward Kellan''s cabin, crunching over a shoveled path to get there. It''s like walking through a snow-maze, with tunnels through snow that''s sometimes as deep as three or four feet.


    "Tell me more about your magitech training. How''s it going?"


    "Mm. I think it''s going okay, but I''m not sure if it''s a weapon that''ll actually be helpful in the grand scheme of things."


    Almost tripping over some branches hidden under the snow, I kick them to the side so I don''t do that again. Which I totally would—I''ve fallen on my face more times than I want to admit.


    "How so?"


    Lisa''s face scrunches up as she thinks. "So, the wrist brace is pretty cool, but it''s got this whole process before I can actually use it. Those seconds are really going to be detrimental mid-fight. Oh, and I have to keep replenishing it with blood."


    It''s instinctual to cringe at that. "Blood? That sounds a little too vampiric for my taste."


    Lisa nods vigorously. "I know, right? It''s weird. But you know, Fae-blessed and whatnot. My blood holds magic that I can''t use myself. The brace sort of... activates it, I guess? I don''t know the science behind it." She pauses. "Or magic, I guess."


    It''s fascinating, but also a bit unsettling. The idea of using blood for anything magical always makes me uneasy.


    We reach Kellan''s cabin, and I stomp the snow off my boots before entering. The warmth inside is a welcome relief.


    Lisa doesn''t waste any time. "I need a hot shower after that run," she announces, already peeling off layers of clothing as she heads for the bathroom.