Redtail Rise and what if I told you you could kill your imperfect self?

His father’s words of warning were delivered so sternly that Atreus initially took them at face value. His aunt was the leader, so her scent must be the strongest. He nodded as if to say, Got it.

But then a thought crossed his mind and he didn’t bother filtering it, asking, What would happen if someone else made stronger markings? Would she try to beat them up? What if they won? Would they become the new leader?

Atreus found himself staring at the ground as if he could see the urine stains there, though they were much more an olfactory presence than a visual one. He marveled that something like piss could play such a critical role in wolfish society, perhaps even upending it.