Darius watched everyone observantly and stroked his chin, his gaze sharp beneath his composed expression. His role would come later, this part of the meeting was Ryker's. Today was about setting the foundation, letting both sides speak without pressure, and gauging the mood.
He'd already begun to suspect that the red-haired man seated beside Riven, Lord Fenric, if memory served him well, was meant to serve as an extra pair of ears and eyes, not just a silent participant. Still, all Darius could do was watch and wait.
Ryker leaned back slightly in his chair, arms spread across the armrests in that deceptively casual way he had when things were tense. "I figure it's best we start small," he began. "As you know, Ironshade has been… difficult to access for some time. But recent efforts, led by our Alpha"—he nodded subtly to Darius—"have reopened the gates. It is a cause for celebration I believe but we are here for business. Trade that is."
