Blacktail Deer Plateau silent night

Grayday gave a quick wag of his tail, not wanting her to think something was wrong. "It's nothing bad - you don't have to say yes, if you don't want to," he assured, giving her a kind, fatherly look. "Pema, with all that's happened lately, and with winter coming and me not being in top shape, I think Morningside needs all hands on deck. So I'd like for you to take on a higher role in this pack."

He paused a moment to gauge her reaction. He'd been more sure that Dawn would fit comfortably into a leadership position, and wasn't sure that Pema would be as enthusiastic.

"It's a lot to ask, but I'm confident you'll shine," he said sincerely.