Beatrice’s home was a three-story tower, its massive door carved from rosewood, twisting crimson and purple grain forming eerie, swirling patterns across its surface.

Inside lay a semicircular hall bathed in violet light. Several oil paintings hung on the walls: a prophet clutching a crystal ball, a Two-Potion Witch dancing with flasks, a roaring black bear, a hunter shouldering a musket, a guard polishing his shield, a scholar poring over ancient tomes, and a black market merchant flicking an abacus…

Where are the portraits of us wolves? Will felt a flicker of resentment. Even though Beatrice was a divine human, if she chose to trade in the tundra, she ought to show respect to demons. At least one wolf portrait should grace these walls.

He was about to voice his protest when he spotted a woman in a purple kimono standing in the corner of the hall, smiling at him. Yu! Will recognized her instantly. What is she doing here?

Yu was a sorceress of the Fox Curse Clan. Twenty years ago, it was from her that he’d learned the fox clan’s Leaping Curse. Her silver hair cascaded to her waist, and she held a purple fan painted with a fox’s head—its sharp, cunning gaze mirroring her own lively eyes.

“Long time no see, old friend.”

“Dammit, I’ve looked everywhere for you these years! Where have you been?” Will stepped forward eagerly, ready to pull her into a warm embrace. If you’d been by my side, I never would’ve lost the Battle of Wolf Fort…

But she darted away, avoiding his grasp. She’s avoiding me… Will froze.

“Why?”

“You’re no longer just a wolf knight, and I’m no longer the fox sorceress you knew.” Yu walked over to Beatrice’s side.

Will sighed. “I haven’t changed…”

“But I have. These years in Long Summer City, I learned one thing: keep your distance from kings.” The fox sorceress smiled.

Long Summer City! Will was stunned. He’d read about it in his clan’s ancient Wolf Canon: a vast city in the distant east, with golden pyramids and jade-paved avenues. Ruled by the Eternal King, who was said to be carried in a sedan chair by a hundred of his concubines whenever he traveled.

“I served the Eternal King for ten years. I learned that serving a king is like keeping a tiger company—everything is a lie except gold.” Yu looped her arm around Beatrice’s waist, and they exchanged a knowing grin.

Will had always thought Long Summer City was just a myth from old books. He never imagined it was real.

“What happened to you?” Will sighed. He remembered that night they’d spent together in the cave on Wolf God Mountain, talking until dawn. Now they felt like strangers.

“Our little fox has had a rough time!” Beatrice stepped behind Yu, resting her hands on her shoulders. “But she’s back safe now, and she’s made a fortune. She’s even a member of Golden Harbor’s Guild of Miraculous Merchants. Wolf King, the seller of those wolf riders you want is her.”

“You?” Will’s eyes widened in shock.

“Is that a problem?” Yu laughed. “I’ve been through a lot these years, but it’s all behind me. Now I’m a black market merchant too. Those wolf riders you want—you can only get them from me. Got enough obsidian, Wolf King?”

Will’s brow furrowed. He could do business with anyone… except Yu.

“You shouldn’t talk to me about money. We’re supposed to be on the same side. And those wolves were mine to begin with…”

“Yours? Don’t be absurd!” Yu shook her fan. “Remember the Battle of Wolf Valley? You chased those wolves into the wilderness, and they’ve been scraping by in the tundra’s corners ever since. They’d tear you to pieces if they could! As for my loyalty—if you want me on your side, you’ll pay.”

We really can’t go back to how we were… Will felt a twinge of sadness, but his outward demeanor remained unyielding. “Money isn’t a problem. Once I take the Great Wall and conquer the United Kingdom, all human wealth will be mine. Stay with me, and you’ll have glory and riches beyond your wildest dreams.”

Yu giggled. “I’ve heard enough empty promises to make my fox ears callus over. Old friend, I don’t want distant dreams anymore—I want immediate gains. If you want those wolf riders, you pay in obsidian.”

She really has changed. Will let out a long sigh. “Fine. Name your price.”

“For old times’ sake, a friend’s discount.” Yu snapped her fan shut. “Three hundred wolf riders, six hundred obsidian.”

“Six hundred?” Will turned to Beatrice in disbelief. “That’s not right! Six months ago, you quoted me one obsidian per wolf warrior.”

“Black market prices change daily, Wolf King.” Beatrice shrugged. “Six months ago, you had seven hundred black wolves—your army was intact. Now…”

“That’s price gouging!” Will protested.

“Old friend, that’s not fair.” Yu reopened her fan. “Six months ago, you thought your army was strong enough to scoff at mercenaries. I almost got stuck with these wolves. Now I’ve fed and trained them for six more months—who pays for that? Plus, I have to give Beatrice a third as commission. I’m barely making a profit!”

Beatrice nodded in agreement. “I’m not making much either. And Wolf King, you can’t quibble over small change. If you want to wage war on humans, this is your only option. You said it yourself—win this battle, and everything will pay for itself.”

So this was a trap to fleece me. Will shook his head with a bitter laugh. “Can’t you cut me a break?”

“No!” Beatrice and Yu said in unison.

“Then we’re walking away from this deal!” Ash, who’d been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. “Black wolves and white wolves together can take the Great Wall without them!”

The hall fell silent. Will was stunned for a moment, then felt a surge of joy. For this moment at least, white wolves and black wolves stood as one. He knew how rare that was.

“So our negotiations are broken?” Beatrice asked, looking at Will.

“Deal.” Will’s voice was firm.

“Wait, what?” Ash exclaimed.

“I’ll pay three thousand obsidian for the three hundred wolf riders. And you—” Will pointed at Yu “—I’ll hire you as my chief sorceress. You’ll advise me, help me take the Frost Great Wall.”

Yu froze, her fan slipping from her fingers to clatter on the floor.