Kiera's tea house was a place of subtle luxury — silk cushions, incense, and the gentle sound of a water feature.
She served them tea that smelled of jasmine and something sharper, more magical.
"The trade route through Howling Gorge is contested," she explained. "My family's right to it is challenged by the Iron-Horn Mercantile — rhino-kin, backed by wolf-kin muscle. Whoever controls the gorge controls the spirit herb flow for the next season."
"And you want me to help you secure it," Echo said.
"I want you to do what you did in the village. Think… differently. Use that outworlder mind of yours."
Echo leaned back. "What's in it for me?"
"The gem. Safe passage wherever you wish to go. And…" she smiled, a flash of sharp teeth, "my favor. Which in Stone Maw is currency indeed."
Mira spoke up. "How do we know you won't betray us?"
Kiera's eyes softened slightly. "Because I, too, have been an outsider in my own home." She touched the silver pendant at her throat. "My mother was from the celestial elk tribe. Fox-kin and elk-kin… not a popular union."
Echo felt the truth in her words. His Charm resonated with her hidden loneliness.
"We'll scout the gorge tomorrow," he said. "Then I'll give you a plan."
Kiera nodded. "Good."
As they left, Leyla muttered, "I don't trust her."
Mira was quiet, thoughtful.
Echo felt the new bond with Kiera humming, a thread of potential alliance — or potential danger.