answered.

Dan saw that the whole team, which was still near the finish line with the sled, was happy about that, but they all turned to Steele, on the other side of the track, who wasn't completely glad to be in second place, but was happy enough to see Balto's son losing. Dan knew why. Kodi's team would lose their job until their next race, which would be next month! Dan snarled, feeling the sudden violent urge to jump on Steele and rip him apart, but he was able to hold it. He couldn't get a fight on his first days in Nome, it would only get him in trouble, specially when he was naturally vulnerable to discrimination for being part wolf. He decided to solve that another time. He tried to comfort Kodi about his defeat, but in that moment nothing could cheer him up. Kodi walked with his teammates to the frozen beach, all of them very sad.

- Don't worry. He just needs some time - Balto tried to tranquilize Dan, though he was sad himself.

Dan's rage at Steele returned.

- What happened there? - he asked, angry.

- Steele got close to Dusty and tried to bite her legs. She got scared and tripped, and the whole lost control. - the other dog explained.

- Cheater... - Dan commented, still angry. - He's not losing for waiting.

He was interrupted when they heard geese croaking. He looked up and saw in the sky a triangular formation of them, surely flying south because of the arrival of the winter. Geese… Dan had an idea.

- Hey Balto, is Stella still around Nome? – he asked.

 ~~~

 Later, they had already talked to Stella, who was living in Nome since she started dating with Boris. She was already going for a flight around other lands, so she agreed to look for Nava in her way. She flew away, leaving them waiting near the frozen beach.

- Well, all we can do now is to wait - Balto said.

They started walking back to the boat. Dan’s gaze got lost like his thoughts. Balto grinned, noticing that.

- So, who is she? – he asked, playfully.

The younger canid snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Balto. It was okay; surely he didn't know who he was thinking about. Dan looked to the ground, feeling an annoying insurance of what he wanted.

- It's complicated.

To be continued...