Page 55 of Salt Between the Wolves

The movement itself was small, but the silence that followed was not, and Soren felt immediately that the conversation was turning in a different direction.

"They're still talking about Riven."

No one responded right away because the statement required no explanation. Weeks had passed since the funeral, yet the wound remained fresh.

"Of course they are," Kael said.

Harlan nodded slowly.

"They're talking about other things too."

Soren already knew where this was heading, and his patience began thinning almost immediately.

Varek exchanged a brief glance with Harlan before speaking.

"The rumors haven't disappeared."

"No," Soren said evenly. "They haven't."

"The attacks continue."

"They do."

"The losses continue."

Soren lifted his gaze and fixed it on Varek.

"So say what you're trying to say."

The room fell silent as Varek held his stare for several seconds before finally answering.

"People are afraid."

The words landed softly, not as an accusation but as a statement of fact, which did nothing to make Soren dislike them any less.

"People have reason to be afraid."

"That's not what I mean."

The irritation began stirring beneath Soren's control while, across the table, Harlan rubbed a hand across his beard.

"Every attack strengthens the rumors."

Kael shifted slightly in his seat, and although the movement was almost imperceptible, Soren noticed it anyway.

"And?"

The older hunter met his gaze.

"And people are beginning to wonder how much longer this can continue."

For a moment nobody spoke while the mountain wind rattled faintly against the stone outside the narrow windows.

Soren looked from one man to the next. Neither seemed comfortable, and neither seemed eager for the conversation, yet both had brought it here regardless.

Finally, he asked, "What exactly is it you think should change?"

Varek exhaled slowly, and when he answered, his words came with a caution that immediately put Soren on edge.