Redtail Rise Phoenix

They didn’t possess the energy to refute Redd’s statement outwardly, though they shook their head lightly. New Snow was an incredible asset to the rise, yet she had never stepped up as its Wealda. And now Masquerade felt a fierce possessiveness rising within them, an intense and nepotistic need to honor Avicus’s legacy. Only one of her bloodline should be Wealda.

It’s you or me, Redd, they insisted, quietly leveraging the power they knew they held, and you make the most sense. I will stand for you. And I think the rest of the pack will too, if I do.

When the lead hunter approached the pair of siblings, Masquerade’s stomach clenched. Mountain Boulder’s opinion mattered more than most, as a standing leader, but Masquerade wouldn’t let anyone stand in their way. At the same time, they knew they desperately needed his support not just with establishing the hierarchy but with upholding the rise as a whole.

Redd will be Wealda, Masque declared softly, seeking to hold his gaze, and I will stay as Caru. Please tell us you’ll stay as Ulfhedinn. We need you now more than ever.