Redtail Rise Phoenix

this thread is moving so fast, so please skip Riley - but this seemed a crucial/pivotal thread and I'd like him to be at least peripherally involved. <3

Strange how some wolves were like the glue that held together a pack. Topple them, and the pack fails. Riley had seen this several times in his lifetime and feared it may be the Rise's fate too.

So much lost to infighting.

He sought out Masque and so, was surprised to come upon a scene rife with tension. His gaze passed to each wolf slowly; the way Mountain Boulder's hard stare set on Redd, Masque, and New Snow -- the former two close as a snarl edged from Redd's throat. There was a change to both New Snow and Masquerade that Riley registered and marveled over; particularly the cold edge of Masquerade's new body language.

Riley did not bother asking questions. He knew this moment would define the Rise.

He stepped behind Masquerade, strides slow as he prepared for the fall out.