Redtail Rise onyx

This was right.

She knew this even as her heart broke when it was confirmed.  Redd had not wanted the title for a long time after claiming it, but now it felt as though it were most of who she was.  She did not know who would remain without it.

But she had given them a choice and known the path they’d choose.  She could not defend her crown.  Wealda had only ever been the strongest, set as such when Avicus had claimed the rank herself.  Further settled when she’d fought her own sister in turn.

Still, Redd felt a fracture at its loss.  She couldn’t describe it and would not complain.  She would have tried.  She would have failed.

Silently her gaze dropped, but her submission was halted by a challenge from another.  Mulherin.  Without a word she limped backwards, away from them both, leaving room for whatever might proceed.  Silently her muzzle brushed Ruckus, drawing the child along with her.   They would watch and then they would eat.  Both needed to grow stronger if they were to serve what came next.