Ingrid, the lighting-pelted female of Tarban, padded through the woods, the gentle rustle of leaves under her paws nearly drowned out by the fluttering of nervous thoughts in her mind. She was heading to the Elder Tree to meet with her betrothed, a union that felt more like a transaction than a romance. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous; hell, she didn't even know the male meant to be her husband. But alas, it was meant to unite the two packs, bringing together the strengths of both in a turbulent time when the forest was full of stories of Tarbans ruthless behavior.

As she drew closer to the meeting place, the towering Elder Tree loomed above her, its ancient branches twisting like gnarled fingers reaching for the sky. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of damp earth mixed with the sharpness of pine. The drumming of her heart matched the rhythm of the wind whispering through the leaves, a symphony of uncertainty.

Ingrid paused for a moment to steady her thoughts. The stories of this male echoed in her mind—tales of bravery and strength, a leader of the rival pack. Somehow, despite the mistrust that often brewed between their clans, she felt a flicker of hope. What if this meeting wasn’t just a duty? What if this union could forge a bond that surpassed the boundaries of their past conflicts?

Ingrid found herself thinking about her betrothed, was he nice? or was he just like the other males in tarban who claimed the females like they were trophies, regardless if they didnt want to be claimed.

Taking a deep breath, she continued her path, her resolve strengthening with each step. She thought of the responsibility that lay ahead, the future of both packs resting precariously on this one encounter. As she reached the base of the Elder Tree, she spotted her betrothed. Her stomach twisted with a concoction of fear and intrigue.
Even though Ingrid's eyes held curiosity, there was a hidden fear or vulnerability behind her though warrior exterior.

As they locked eyes, she felt a spark of something—was it recognition, curiosity, or perhaps something deeper. and for a moment, the weight of their packs faded away, leaving just the two of them beneath the watchful gaze of the Elder Tree. Would this be the beginning of something unexpected, or merely a further entanglement of duty? The answer remained just out of reach, hanging in the air like the scent of rain before a storm.

Stepping under the elder tree, Ingrid caught sight of the male she was betrothed to, "Hello there...are I'm Ingrid of Tarban...daughter to Erik...are you the one I'm ment to marry?" She asked softly as if afraid