#Chapter 45: Poison Suspicions

Breakfast featured an elaborate spread of Swift River specialties—smoked river fish, forest berries preserved in honey, and freshly baked bread adorned with their pack's symbolic crest. Under normal circumstances, I would have appreciated their hospitality. Today, my focus remained on the servant hovering near Alpha Marcus's place setting. The young wolf moved with practiced efficiency, but I noticed how he lingered near Marcus's goblet, his attention fixed on this one task. As he poured the morning tea, his sleeve brushed suspiciously against the rim. I watched Marcus raise the cup to his lips, then acted with deliberate clumsiness. Rising suddenly, I "accidentally" bumped the ceremonial table, sending his drink splashing across the tablecloth. "How terribly clumsy of me," I gasped with convincing dismay. "Please forgive the disruption." Luna Elena caught my eye, offering a subtle nod of understanding as servants rushed to clean the mess. I positioned myself near the refreshme