Phoenix Maplewood Last Man Standing

Beneath her intense facade, Saena had many doubts about herself, ranging from doubts about her ability to lead properly to doubts about whether her life amounted to anything. She took a hit any time anyone else doubted her, too. They were the primary reason she came across as intensely as she did: almost everything was a front, an attempt to hide her insecurities, troubles and crippling worries from the world that seemed far too cruel for the wolf she otherwise would've become. Esaro's words were like a balm to those insecurities and she managed a genuine, if watery, smile as she said, "thanks, Esaro, that really means a lot."

As insensitive and harsh as she could be at times, Saena really did care about the pack she led. Being acknowledged for that in spite of her unorthodox manner of showing it was a comfort.

"You've never spoken of your father," Saena prompted when Esaro admitted his own desire to become an alpha wolf. It was something that took a lot of time and effort, she'd learned. She once went out into the world thinking that it would come easily and naturally and it wasn't until now that she realized it was sheer luck she still held onto her title. It would take a lot more work to become the leader she once believed she was, the one she aspired to be. "He wanted you to become a leader?"