Chapter 109 Departure
Normally, such bags could only be bought from traveling merchants who traded across races, but the prices were astronomical. Fortunately, thanks to Zion’s successful diplomatic efforts and trade agreements with the dwarves, he was able to purchase them at a significantly reduced price, though even then, a single magic bag still cost as much as a year’s worth of grain for a typical pack.
Fortunately, thanks to Zion’s foresight in establishing trade with the elves and dwarves, and profiting immensely from the items he acquired through his trade routes, he had amassed a significant fortune. In fact, his pack had become one of the wealthiest in the entire werewolf kingdom, despite being politically isolated by the Alpha King.
Traditionally, when an Alpha was summoned to the Royal Palace, the Alpha King would send an invitation at least a month in advance. This gave the Alphas ample time to prepare and travel at a relaxed pace, especially for those coming from distant territories. Since most packs couldn’t afford expensive magic bags like Zion’s, they usually traveled by carriage, bringing their luggage and essentials along the way.
However, Zion’s invitation arrived far too late for a leisurely journey. With no time to spare, he had no choice but to travel in his wolf form at full speed, relying on the magic bags to carry everything they needed. It wasn’t hard to guess the Alpha King’s intention—perhaps he hoped Zion would arrive at the palace looking haggard and humiliated, a proud Alpha forced to carry a bundle in his mouth like a low-ranking mutt.
Petty? Absolutely. But that was just the kind of man the Alpha King was—vindictive and never one to let a grudge go.
Unfortunately for the Alpha King, it seemed he wouldn’t get the satisfaction of seeing Zion down and defeated. Instead, the rushed summons only gave Zion the perfect opportunity to flaunt his financial power in front of the other packs—and even the Alpha King himself.
With the ongoing crises in the western, southern, and northern territories, the Royal Palace’s treasury had taken a significant hit. The Alpha King had been forced to provide aid to stabilize those regions, stretching royal resources thin. In contrast, Zion’s wealth and preparation stood in stark contrast, a quiet display of strength that couldn’t be ignored.
When Zion emerged from behind the tree, his midnight-black wolf, Shura, stood tall and regal, head held high with the magic bag strapped securely across his back. Claire instinctively stepped forward, expecting to mount Shura just as she had when she first arrived at the Midnight River Pack. But this time, Shura walked right past her, ignoring her presence entirely. He stopped beside Levi and gave his wolf a piercing, murderous glare that seemed to say, "You carry her."
Levi’s wolf immediately looked away, pretending not to notice. He had no intention of making the same mistake Zion did—carrying Claire on his back like she was his mate.