Bearclaw Valley however dangerous this may be

Parents... parents. It was a conventionally harsh thought, but of all the things in all the world, the one thing Ico could not imagine Merrick and Astara to be was parents. It was painfully unlikely, and yet, he suddenly realised, likely. They were of that age, after all, and mated — and a powerful Alpha pair. They might wish their extraordinary bloodlines to continue.

Or at least, Merrick might wish it. Astara was far more inscrutable; despite having twice the eye count.

Ico's own gaze whipped over to @Evien, curious as to the young doctor's reaction — though it was likely he knew before the rest of the pack.

Feeling an instinct to break the silence, especially given that the Valley would soon be loud with the mewls and giggles of young children, Ico turned a shy smile to his leaders: Congratulations...!