Ethan let them bicker for a few moments before finally clearing his throat, neatly cutting through the lupine argument.
"You know," he said, his tone casual, almost conspiratorial, "since you're already here, and since one of you is facing punishment anyway while the other might never get another chance, wouldn't it be a shame to go back without actually experiencing a little of what you came for?"
The suggestion was carefully placed bait, dangling just within reach of two predators already half‑tempted.
One large wolf and one small one exchanged a look. No words were spoken, yet an entire conversation passed between them.
"You promise not to run?" Xenon asked at last, his voice stern but betraying a thread of hope. "If you promise, I'll take you to the amusement park."
"Mm‑hmm!" Xeisha nodded so hard her silver hair bounced wildly.
