At some point, while I walked through the pack, a few young pack members trailed behind me, whispering amongst themselves.
"Why is he walking?"
"Did he lose a bet?"
"Maybe he's punishing himself."
I was this close to turning around and snapping at them, but then an old woman suddenly rushed forward, blocking my path with an alarming amount of determination.
"My Beta, please, take my cart!" She gestured wildly at the rickety wooden cart she had been using to transport vegetables.
I scrunched up my face in surprise. "What?"
"Please," she insisted, practically shoving it toward me. "It's unworthy of someone of your status, but at least it will carry you home faster than walking."
I stared at the cart. At the old woman. At the expectant crowd now gathering around us.
Then, slowly, I dragged a hand down my face.
This was ridiculous.
I was walking. That was all. Not waging war. Not overthrowing a kingdom. Not sacrificing myself to the gods. Just walking.
