Sunburst

Dark gray paws moved with care as they picked their way along a deer trail, carrying Sunburst over the boundary of the Parnassian Meadows territory. He stopped a few yards in and turned his long muzzle to the sky, orange eyes traveling up towards the clouds that shifted slowly across the endless expanse of blue. His nostrils flared and he took in the scents that the winds bore. He wasn't entirely sure, but... could that be more youngsters on the breeze?

'Ahhh great.' The wolfdog thought inwardly to himself. 'If they have more offspring, they're going to be even less tolerant of me. Imre, save me.' Keeping that apprehension to himself, Sunburst tilted his dark muzzle back down and smiled at Neferyt, "Okay Neffy, we're back. You just hang tight - we'll let your pack know we're here, then we'll wait for them to come to us." With flashbacks of the massacre at the Canyon to keep his heart racing, the seventy-pound little canine parted his jaws and unleashed a howl to call for the Parnassian Meadows.

Crucifix

His pups were getting big but Neferyt was always on the back o his mind. He knew Black was still depressed over it. Her muzzle was healed but they didn't know how to get the contraption of. His ears twitched at the howl. He was wary of all strangers since that day. Taiya, blue, Black and Krush stay with the pupsHe said warily and looked to white to accompany him. He moved toward the sound of the howl refusing to speak that he was coming in case others were lying in wait for his call back.

As he got closer he could make out a shape of a wolf or wolf dog and a pup. ONe ear moved forward while the other remained back. He couldn't let his hope up. At least it was a wolf and not a large cat. He moved forward and saw that it was indeed her but he was still wary.who are you?He asks.

Neferyt was over exicted to be home. She just nodded and then her tail wagged like crazy when her uncle came over only with one other with him. Uncle!She whined wanting to go to him. She glanced up at Sun and if he allowed it would run to them.

Taiya & Others

The black alphess lay basking in the sun while her young pup tumbled over one another in one of their first days outside of the den. She's half asleep when Sunburst's howl rings across the territory, the she-wolf head snapping up with a reflexive howl. Crucifix hasn't even spoken before Taiya is nudging at her pups, ushering them for the den. After what happened with Black, Taiya's trust for strangers is at an all-time low. She slinks under the earth, placing herself in front of her pups while the rest of the pack lurks above ground. She wasn't going to let anybody hurt her pups.

Whiteout leaps to his paws as Crucifix motions him to follow. The white wolf bounds several paces behind his alpha, nose twitching to pick up the scents on the wind from the stranger. As the approach, Whiteout's brain distinguishes the presence of two wolves. It's half a second before Neferyt calls out that Whiteout realizes he can recognize the second scent. The white wolf's jaw drops a bit, and he restrains himself from a tail wag. He stands behind Crucifix, shoulders flexed and head ducked low as he squints, studying Sunburst and curiously deducing why the wolfdog was here with Neferyt.

Sunburst, Naiche, Krush, & Velvet

At the start of the howl, Krush shot to his paws and turned his tall ears in the direction of the wavering voice. Ashen gray fur began to stand tall along his back and neck, blossoming out in response to a stranger's voice within their terra. He resisted the impulse to call back, and under his alpha's orders, the wolfdog planted himself at the entrance of the den, where Taiya and her young huddled below.

Naiche stuck fast to her mother when the howl sounded. The growing youngster had been Black's shadow ever since she returned from the humans, and that was especially true right now when potential danger hung in the air.

Back out in the field, Sunburst was pondering whether or not he should howl again when his initially call never got a response. "Hhuh... well." The hybrid pondered out loud and shuffled his paws, looking about. He glanced behind him once, knowing that Velvet was back there somewhere, but didn't yet see or hear the big cat. Just as he was getting ready to make another howl, two forms appeared, moving swiftly through the meadow in his direction. Sunburst snapped to attention and readied himself, and as they drew closer, he leaned his muzzle down at gave Neferyt a nudge, "Okay Nef, you're safe to go."

Staying where he was, Sunburst lowered his head and made sure his dark gray tail was sufficiently lower than Crucifix's. "I'm Sunburst, and I'm here on behalf of the Nuo- the Shadow Haunters." The hybrid caught himself, took a breath, and continued, "My leader is here to explain the situation to you, if you'll hear her out. We mean you no harm." An ear swiveled back, but Velvet still hadn't revealed herself.

Crucifix

Neferyt took off for her uncle and the other. She nuzzled her uncle and moved under his body.

Crucifix nuzzled his niece and then snaped back to attention at hte mention of the shadow haunters. HIs fur raised at it.However; he was in no way wanting a war right now even if they nearly killed his sister. I'll hear her out but know that I may not care for the explanation as the ones who took my niece nearly killed my sister to do so. We had to go to the two leggers in order to save her so she has a lot of explaining to do and compensation for the harm brought to my sisterOh yes he had no intention of letting it go unpunished you could say.

Tyrant was waiting with Velvet.Even if he turns us down do not threaten or do anything . We can always try again another time.He whispers calmly. He could see the anger stil rising from the canine and he did not blame him.

Black ket her two pups above ground but by a den. The two could fit down it but she couldn't fit with them so she'd make them go below if she needed to.

Rephaim sat by the den.

Whiteout

Whiteout scoots closer as Neferyt approaches, trying to get a better look at Sunburst. His fur bristles with uncertainty as the wolfdog mentions his leader, ears flicking back with a low growl that only Crucifix could hear. He didn't especially like the idea of brushing shoulders with the creatures that had assaulted their camp, taking a family member and injuring another. But this wasn't his affair, it was Crucifix's to handle. So the brute remains planted a pace behind his alpha, breathlessly waiting for the preposition to unfold, praying it didn't turn violent.

Velvet, Sunburst, Krush, & Naiche

Sunburst waited and watched, orange eyes darting between Crucifix and Whiteout, and to the area behind them. He had expected more to respond to the call, but when no further pack members showed up, the little hybrid relaxed some and listened to the alpha brute answer him back.

"I'm here only to return Neferyt to you." He answered simply, not caring to get involved with any sort of diplomatic discussions. "I am sorry for what happened to your sister though, sir. But uh..." Hearing the low rumble of feline voices behind them, a gray ear swiveled back and he glanced over his shoulder before stepping aside, "...here, Velvet can better explain things."

Sure enough, the lioness had started advancing forward after Sunburst announced that she would be doing the talking. To Tyrant, she gave a nod of understanding, already having a multitude of outcomes playing out in her mind. Ultimately, despite how weak she viewed this pack to be at this time, it would be advantageous to have an ally outside of the Ruins they could call upon.

"Crucifix." Velvet stopped a healthy distance away from the two wolves and briefly dipped her tawn-hued head. "As Sunburst explained, Tyrant and I are not here to cause any trouble, and I appreciate you taking the time to hear me out." Dark amber eyes studied the alpha, then the subordinate with the silver-tipped tail and pale yellow eyes. "The attack on your pack was due to erroneous information; we mistook you for an enemy pack, and seized the opportunity to remove a cub from a dangerous situation. I know apologies don't undo the damage to you and your family, but I have something that might help; I'd like to propose an alliance with the Parnassian Meadows. You would have the full might of the Shadow Haunters at your back should you need us, which would guarantee that no pack in this Valley would be able to harm you without incurring our wrath. Not to mention, food stability and scouts to help secure the boundaries of your territory, if you would like such things."

Crucifix

Crucifix looked to whiteout.take Neferyt to her mother and then returnHe said and then began to pace as the cats came forward. His ears were back, tail was up and fur raised. So the haunters still cub nap then? Even if you made a mistake in attacking my family, The haunters still do the horrendous thing of stealing cubs? Will you not learn? It doesn't matter if their your enemies or not cub napping is the lowest of low and will never earn you respectHe growled.

His tail flicked as he paced making it clear he was not happy. His ears flicked to Tyrant as he spoke.You may say that and you may say you've noticed she hasn't done it since but as far as I can see she still does. I nearly lost my sister because of the raid. My father went through the same damn thing, He lost my aunt because Risen had her killed for running away, for running home. She brainwashed the other two and eventually caused my father to go insane with grief and in the end it took his and Withers life from themhe said. He came to halt right in front of the big cat.

His ears still back. What i would like is for you to proof your doing as Tyrant says. And I expect compensation in some way for what happened to my sister. I had to take her to the damn humans and prayed to god that they didn't just kill her. I had to put her life in the hands of filthy two leggers because of it. Her jaw was broken from defending her pups, her innocent pups, in fact she is completely innocent of any of our issues, she had never faught in a war never cared for any of it. Those pups are the product of forced breeding to a dog yet she still cares for them. He snarled.

tyrant ears were back but Crucifix's anger was expected. She has vowed to myself that she is done with cub napping, I don't expect you to believe this but as of right now she has held up to thatHe said calmly. Forcing himself to keep his cool. If Velvet or him got upset and or showed it crucifix would never be persuaded to become allies whether now or later.

Whiteout

The brute's ears flick back as he listens to Crucifix, his fur bristling as he reaches forward to nudge Neferyt. "Come on, darling," he murmurs softly, pushing her in the direction of the pack camp. Black would want to see her daughter. Whiteout trots hastily, his pace managed so that the pup could keep up. His heart hammers in his chest as he carries along, trying his best to get Neferyt back to the pack, but knowing he needed to return to his alpha.

Velvet & Others

"It was more of a rescue than a theft." Velvet countered lightly, shifting her voice and her features into softer things, so that her explanation might be more easily accepted. Behind her, the lion's long tail remained still and calm, just as the expression that played across her face. "Tyrant has done well to open my eyes to new ideas, and I've full-hearted embraced them. I don't take you for a fool though, Crucifix. I understand your reluctance to believe I've turned over a new paw, so to speak. And I understand your animosity towards the Haunters for past transgressions. It's wise to have such apprehensions about me."

To further show that she meant no harm, Velvet shifted her limbs and sat back on her haunches, bowing her heavy head so that it hung even with Crucifix, and leaving her shoulders pointed high behind her. "Mistake though it was to try and rescue a pup we thought was in danger, you're right about compensation. Perhaps something to show that I have truly changed my ways." Velvet tilted her dial, mulling over ideas that she had already come up with before this meeting every commenced, and adjusting one in particular after she learned of Blackened Song's history. "I propose two things." The lioness raised her head slightly, "Firstly, we have two canines in our pack; Sunburst here, and Lupanare. Both excellent hunters and fighters. One could temporarily live with your pack, help you out until your sister is fully recovered. It would not only help you, but be an extension of trust on my part that you won't kill one of my own."

Sunburst glanced over at Velvet, caught off guard by this proposal. He wouldn't mind, and he certainly did enjoy taking care of Neferyt in the time he had her, but it would be a strange thing to be out of the Ruins for so long. Keeping quiet, he listened to Velvet go on. "Secondly, to show you the power that you'll be gaining in accepting us as allies, we can hunt down and destroy the one responsible for forcing himself on your sister. Or, bring him to you alive; your choice"

The oracle looked to Tyrant when he spoke, and as a last amendment, added on, "Of course Crucifix, you are allowed entry into the Ruins, to see for yourself that we have no other young with us. That alone should prove that I've not stolen any recently - feel free to question any of the Haunters about it, as well."

Crucifix

Even though he wanted to hold his cool and calm the haunters had caused his family so much harm and brewed so much hate it was hard for him to let go. He didn't want any of his family to live with hate. But letting go of the hate that he was so horribly reminded why he hated them of.a rescue? A rescue would entail the pup does not belong to the one you took it from, do not start this by lying to mehe growled. He could believe that perhaps the raid on him had been a mistake but a rescue no he could not believe it.

He listened to her compensation. Perhaps it was a semi okay one but it wasn't good enough.that is not exactly good enough compensation for the harm that came to my sister! She nearly lost her life and you think just letting us borrow one of your pack members make up for that?he said.

Then she offered to hunt the one down.No we have no care to find him. He is nothing but a mangy mutt beaten into submission to humans. You be a fool to go near humans No matter your numbers or strengths.he said.

He continued to pace as he watched temporarily Neferyt take after Whiteout.

Neferyt eyed velvet and then nuzzled whiteout and dran happily after him. She ran straight to her mother and siblings.

Blackened looked up and got up and ran to meet her daughter.

Rephaim followed.

Taiya & Whiteout

There's noise above the den when Whiteout and Neferyt return. The black she-wolf weasels out of the den, her brown eyes widening as she sees Black reuniting with her lost daughter. Taiya bounds forward, her tail wagging. Suddenly her gaze falls upon Whiteout, the alphess tensing at the absence of her mate. "Where is Crucifix?" She demands with a growl. Before she gives the brute a chance to reply, Taiya suddenly takes off in the direction her mate left. She gives little caution to her pups in the den, fleeting across the territory. Whether Crucifix likes it or not, Taiya isn't the type to stand back when there's danger in the territory. As she approaches, she finds her mate standing off with the large cats, her fur bristling as she bounds forward. "Who is this?" she hisses, striding from the forest with newly-found composure. Taiya halts close to Crucifix, standing just at his hindquarters to give him the leading authority, but still conveying her position to the invaders.

Whiteout immediately takes off after Taiya, his attempts to coax Taiya to returning to the densite falling on deaf ears. He stands several paces behind as Taiya approaches Crucifix, the white brute sheepishly awaiting a look of scrutiny from his alpha.

Velvet, Sunburst, Krush, & Naiche

"Neferyt!" Krush's blue eyes went wide at the sight of the pup he assumed to have been killed and eaten. A questioning look was shot to Whiteout before his attention darts abruptly to the alphess. With a flash, the ebony-hued Taiya had scrambled up out of the den, a growl playing as she realized her mate was not with the pack, but alone with the stranger who'd entered their terra. Krush pasted his ears back, and as she and Whiteout dashed off, he slinks towards the den and crouches down beside it.

"I bring you the truth." Velvet responded evenly, "Whether you choose to believe it or not is your decision. Regardless of the reasons, the fact remains that Neferyt was the last youngster that we took, and that was several moons ago."

When Crucifix turned down her offer of compensation, Velvet briefly furrowed her brows. "I understand there's no taking back the damage we did. You have my deepest sympathies, and if you request it, I can bring the ones responsible for the assault to personally apologize to you as well." Somehow, the lioness didn't think Crucifix would accept that offer, but she laid it out anyway. "If a temporary member isn't what you want, name your price and I'll happily consider it. Perhaps... food? You have many mouths to feed now, and we can supply you with weekly meals, bi-weekly if that's what's desired."

The oracle dipped her head in understanding to the third item brought up, "I wasn't aware that he was a pet. Either way, we won't hassle with that if you'd rather us not. In place of vengeance, how about security? We have eyes in the sky, and would be more than willing to offer their services to you. That way both human and animal invaders would be more easily sighted before they got far in your land." At about this point, Whiteout was returning, along with the other half of the alphaship. Velvet regarded them coolly before she addressed the dark-furred wolfess with the raised tail, "You must be Crucifix's mate." A slight bow of her head was given as a formal greeting.

Crucifix

he stood his ground as she spoke. He had no intentions on attacking her he wasn't stupid, Maybe if his whole pack were here they could take her but they weren't. He wasn't exactly turning down the offer of one of her members staying with in the territory to help out, it just wasn't enough compensation for blacks injury.

Part of him wanted to demand she give him one of her upcoming or current cubs permanently but, he was not the haunters he wouldn't take a cub from his parent. But then what could he demand as a good compensation?

As he is thinking on something she could give him she speaks again.The only thing I would take from the one who harmed black would be for her to sustain the same exact injuries as Black did that would be the only apology that cat could give that I'd acceptHe said. And those cats no matter our relationship if they ever steps foot on my land I will have my whole pack on Them. They will never be welcomed on my land.he growled.

here's how you can compensate, You give us one of your pack members as a temporary member and You give us one pack member permanently and they no longer will be apart of your pack but mineHe said. He did not say cub, no he'd take any at this point preferably not forced.however; we are not you and we do not force our members to stay apart of our pack so therefore they both must be willing on their partshe said. He watched her for her reaction.

Thats when Taiya show up and he growled a little.you weree to remain with the pupsHe said but turned his attention fully back to Velvet. as for the security eyes in the sky will workhe said.

Tyrant listened to Crucifix and he winced at his anger toward the one who harmed black, he did not blame him one bit, he had every right to hate her. He would also not fault him for attacking her if she crossed into his land again.

Taiya

The black alphess squints as she is greeted by Velvet, her shoulders flexing with an ounce of uncertain tension. She nods solemnly, stating, "I am.....I'm Taiya." While she isn't sure with Velvet and Tyrant on her territory, Taiya trusts that Crucifix's sound state and the clear negotiations in progress were enough reason to qualm her anxieties. She blatantly ignores Crucifix's brief harping, her shoulder touching against his hindquarter. She was an alpha at the end of the day, and she didn't neglect the fact that she deserved presence in such encounters.

Taiya knows who these creatures belong to, and for a moment the she-wolf is astounded that the dwellers of the Ruins still maintain a proper group. Taiya herself is of the Haunter-blood -- both Tahti and Windsong, her grandparents, had been Haunters at some point. While her family eventually detached themselves, though kept distant relations with the Haunters, Taiya had lacked real exposure to the massive, powerful group. All she knew now was that Crucifix had a vendetta against them. Before Taiya can hold her tongue much longer, the she-wolf sudden asks, "But why us?" Her words escape in the midst of a silence, interjecting after her mate had spoken. "I'm sorry," she apologizes, though her tone conveys the lack of empathy for speaking up. Taiya isn't the sort to feel sorry for speaking her mind, but formalities force her to offer a flimsy apology in case either Velvet or Crucifix are vexed by her actions. "I'm genuinely curious, Miss. There's plenty of wolves to ally yourself with in this Valley....why us?"

Velvet & Others

"Well met, Taiya." The lioness returned, the calmness in her words and form walking the thin line between pleasant and unnerving, "I'm Velvet." Those predatory eyes lingered on the Queen of the packlands before fixing on Crucifix once more, as the negotiations continued. Her demeanor remained controlled, with not so much as an angry tail-switch as the alpha brute shot down some of her offers. A single brow inched up when he suggested an eye-for-an-eye punishment against Katara.

"We do enforce strict punishment against those in our pack that break the rules, but even in this case of mistaken identity, I cannot condone such things against one of my own. They made a mistake, but it was in the name of the N-" Velvet stopped, catching herself as the pack's former name nearly rolled off her tongue. It would be another two or three days before the pack officially merged, but it was soon enough to start adopting their new moniker. Besides, it was far better known in the Valley than the Nuova, "-Shadow Haunters." With that idea of compensation shot down, she waited to hear what else the alpha might offer.

"A permanent member?" That idea intrigued Velvet, especially since their pack was about to increase in size by nearly double. "That is something we could work out, yes. On that idea, I'm presuming you would prefer a canine member? And very well - we will also work with our falcons to increase our patrols to your territory."

When Taiya spoke again, Velvet looked across to her, and a faint smile graced her long face, "You are one of the largest packs in the Valley, for starters." There was a secondary reason that lingered in Velvet's mind, but the lioness was not going to broach that topic when she still didn't know much about the Parnassian wolves. "And as confident as I am in our own abilities as a pack, I will admit that the Haunters are in short supply of allies - you'd be the first, in fact, that we've formally approached."

Crucifix

He snorted at her reasoning that it was an accident. Said mistake almost caused my sister her life I think it would still be pretty fair or if not her the one who sent herhe said his tail flicked though. However; for now he'd settle for a huanter becoming an avenger instead. I would prefer any species who would be an asset to us, even if its a big cat one big cat is no threat to us and once they've fully accepted they won't be a threat because they will be an avenger not a haunter no morehe said.

till you can find someone that does not want to be a haunter any more we will take a temporary member to fill that spothe spot he said. His tail slightly twitched at Taiya's words.We are the first you approach? Most won't even let you within two steps of their door, I only did because you had something I wanted. But perhaps you can change the valley's perception of the haunters. But that has not been seen yethe said calmly finally sitting down.

Tyrant relaxed.

Taiya

The alphess blinks, listening to Velvet's words with a flicker of perplexity. For whatever reason, Taiya has a hard time placing Velvet and her pack's reasoning, but she doesn't press. Alliances had been birthed under more crude circumstances. The Lurkers and the Haunters, the two biggest powerhouses of the Valley, had once been cozy. Taiya knows this, though, is a decision solely made by Crucifix and his intuition. The black she-wolf listens in continued silence now, her curious question answered by Velvet and no other thoughts bubbling to the surface of Taiya's mind.

Velvet & Others

"And I do regret that, or I would not be here to offer my apologies and allegiances." Velvet returned softly, still not about to budge on that first offer of compensation. Partly because the reason for the assault was fabricated, and she wouldn't have one of her own take such a grievous injury for her.

"On that second matter though, we have many more felines than we do canine at the moment. But do give me a few days before a permanent member is decided upon." Almond hued gaze drifted aside to Sunburst, who'd been listening silently the whole time. The gray-furred little hybrid perked his tall ears a bit more and found his breath momentarily stilled in his lungs as he awaited the orders he could only assume were about to be delivered. "If Crucifix and Taiya are in agreeance, you will stay with the Parnassian Meadows for the next few days." The lioness looked back to the alpha pair for approval whilst explaining, "We have an important meeting in three days time that he'll have to attend, but until that time he can be a great asset to your family if you approve. And after our meeting, I can send the permanent member if one has been decided upon by then. Does that sound fair?"

The lion gave her vague smile again at Crucifix's latter comments, "Let this be the start of a new chapter for the Valley then? You and your queen would be the first to help make that change." She glanced to the wolfess standing back a few steps from her mate before returning her keen gaze back to the brute.

Crucifix

Part of him didn't want to do this, Because of his father. But he did not feel like having an enemy at the time either.They would bide their time. I am not opposed to having a feline as a member, One feline from the haunters we can handle if they choose to betray us in the end so if it has to be feline then that is fine as long as they understand their fully allegiance is to change to mehe said.

He glanced at the hybrid.that is fineHe said. He could tell the hybrid was kind to neferyt at least and neferyt didn't seem to have qualms with the malewe shall seehe says to her last words.

Tyrant lets out a sigh.

Taiya

The alphess stares at Sunburst as Velvet offers him up, her brown eyes dancing with a hint of curiosity at how calm and collected he seemed about being handed over. Even years later and under different leadership, the calm devotion of the Shadow Haunters baffled Taiya a bit. Even those connected by blood wouldn't be so open to the task in which Velvet bestowed upon Sunburst. Taiya nods softly, rather kindly, towards Velvet, Tyrant and, especially, Sunburst. "Welcome," she extends towards Sunburst. Her tail twitches a little bit in a friendly greeting to the wolfdog. "We can show you our home."

Velvet & Others

As high as the tension was between Crucifix and herself, Velvet was pleased with the negotiations thus far. She had half expected to be turned away at the get-go, and though they were far from being comfortable allies, this was at least a step in the right direction. "Your decision today has made your pack that much stronger." Velvet reminded the alpha, "No one in their right minds would harass your family now." The lioness not so subtly flexed her claws, digging the tips into the soft earth, as if to show what might happen if someone crossed the Parnassian wolves wrong.

"There is the other side of the deal, however." Carefully, the big cat went on, now that they'd agreed to the offer. "As allies, we may at times request help with various issues - in particular, battles. While I don't think there's anyone in the Valley who would challenge us, bloodshed does remain a possibility."

Under Velvet's orders, and Taiya's acceptance, Sunburst crossed that invisible line and padded forth. His form shifted smoothly as he went, tail hanging lower, ears folding back, and head dropping down in seamless motion as he visually pledged his obedience to their pack. The end of his tail swayed too as he shuffled himself in front of his temporarily alphas, showing no fear or hesitation to a situation that would have stirred considerable anxiety in most. Instead, the little orange-eyed hybrid had an expectant, almost cheerful air to him, "Thank you, Taiya is it?"

Crucifix

He listened but said nothing to it. He didn't believe they really needed the haunters for strength but he didn't feel like fighting right now.If there comes a time and the battle is worth fighting my pack will aid you but know if I think that your fighting for something that is wrong I may not help as I don't trust your motives right nowhe said. He watched Sun but let Taiya handle him.

Velvet

"Just consider this, Crucifix-" Velvet spoke, as she stood and nodded to Tyrant, signalling that this meeting was nearly over. Her eyes drifted back to the alpha wolf, holding steadily to his own gaze, "We remain an alliance because we help one another. If you abandon us in a time of need, or refuse genuine help when called upon, such acts will be remembered. This isn't a deal where you pick and choose what suits you, and on that same end, we won't turn down a call for aid from you." She too glanced at Sunburst as he padded off with Taiya, feeling confident that this pack would not turn on the little wolfdog. And if they did, she was sure the fleet-footed Sunburst could get away, as he did from his ill-fated fight against the Aspen Grove. "I'll leave you and your pack alone now, unless there's anything else you'd like to discuss?"

Crucifix

He stood there listening.I know what alliances mean however; if our help is required in a way that might give my pack a bad name I will not do so. My pack comes before all else velvet. My pack is my family but I don't know if you even understand that conceptHe said. There is nothing moreHe said.

Tyrant stood up as well.

Velvet

Velvet studied him for a good long moment before answering back, "As long as you understand the expectations. We can both prosper from this." Her long tail swished once behind her and she took a step to begin turning herself away. The lioness stopped briefly, looking back to the wolf with a strong gaze, "I understand the concept better than most, Crucifix. And I have sacrificed much for my Family, just like you have." With those final words to the alpha, she brushed shoulders with Tyrant as she started out of the terra, heading back to the Ruins.