"Where were you?" Alpha asked.

I froze. I should tell him the truth, but I can't.

"I went to the Whispering Woods," I said. That part was true. "I wanted to see what it looked like. However, you were right, it is dangerous. So I went bck. However, I fell asleep before I came back."

Alpha groaned. "I'm too old for this." he sighed.

"Alpha, I have a question," I started.

"Oh no! Not again!" he cried, slumping down.

Well, this is what happens when you have an elderly wolf as your Alpha, I thought. He forgets what you said two minutes ago.

"Don't worry, Alpha," I said. "This is a different question. I was wondering, hypothetically, if there were more spirit wolves, if you'd share the Enchanted Forest."

Alpha gave me a troubled look. "No," he said. "Competition between two packs for prey would be too troublesome.

"I understand, Alpha," I said. "And I'm sorry."

"I suppose you learned your lesson?" he asked.

"Yes Alpha," I said. "I did."

And I can't wait to see her again.