Blackfeather Woods You were both born to be kings

@Vassago @Pyro @Burke @Damien Tagged the most important characters, but anyone is free to join. No one is allowed in the den until Malice says so :) This all takes place on the 5th of June.

The past days, the scarred woman had done nothing but sleeping and laying. There were two reasons for this, one being that she did not want to run into Damien again -nor Nemesis for that matter-, and the other was that as much as she would like to not get lost anymore, she couldn't move. Not only had her nipples been leaking, an obvious sign that puppies were very close, but she had swollen even more. She wondered how many of those things were in her, and how many of them would even still live after the harsh weeks of the famine. She hoped, she prayed, that there would be at least one left alive inside her belly, just to please the pack. Burke had gone out of his way to feed her, and his new offspring, and she was not going to let him down now. Besides, the soft kicks she got from time to time convinced her that there was indeed something alive in her. 

Burke had went on his daily patrol again today, just like any other day, and Malice awoke to say goodbye. But from the moment she was awake, she felt different. Was she due? Oh dear, how was this going to work? Should she call for help? No, no, she could do this. If her scruffy mom could pop out some children, surely she could do so too. A small wave of pain raced through her body, and she stretched her hind legs in response to the hellish pain. Did it have to be now? Really? the famine was anything but over, how in the name of Lucifer were they going to survive? She whimpered softly, trying to stretch her hind legs more, desperate to escape the pain that was her new fate. Please, little ones, please... She whimpered softly, placing her head on the hard cold floor as she twitched.

She knew nature would take over eventually, but for that she had to endure all the pain that came with bringing life. Sure, it was a wonder this was possible, and sure, she was proud of what she achieved, but did it have to hurt this much? Her head popped up as another wave, one that made her insides pull together, went through her body at a rapid speed. She pulled up one leg in a reflex, letting her head fall to the floor once again. Nature drove her to push, and push she did. Her yells were smothered by her own fur as the head of the firstborn, one later known as Vassago, became visible. After a few painful pushes, the child was out of her body, and again nature got control. She brought her head close to the squirming thing, licking up the slimy stuff that the small one was bathed in. She desperately nudged it, licked it all over, and as it began to breath, a new wave of pain almost stopped her from pushing her child to her belly. The small one took one of her nipples in his mouth, but the pain was too overwhelming for Malice to even feel it.

She pulled her leg up even higher, but was this time prepared for the pain that came with birthing a child. The second one was therefore out a little easier than the first one, but smaller too. It wasn't a big difference, she saw, but enough to make her wait a split second before licking the second born, later to be known as Pyro. She nudged it again, and the small one soon started breathing and got shoved to her belly to nurse. Was it over now? The pain said no. She had been heavily panting this whole time, but the third one made her yelp as it began to get pushed out. This one took longer than the second one, she noticed, and did not move when it slithered out of her. She licked it clean, nudging and nudging and nudging... But nothing came. She whimpered, shoving the dead puppy to her belly anyway in hope that it might begin to breath later.

After her third yet failed pup, Malice was kind of done with all of it. But no, her body twitched yet again, making her push out the fourth and final pup. She panted heavily as she lifted her head up for the fourth time, cleaning the small one and nudging it to make it breath, but again she had failed. A small whimper left her mouth as she shoved it to her belly where two pups were happily nursing, their dead sibling next to them that was accompanied by yet another dead soul. Tired, Malice fell to the earth, panting softly as she closed her eyes, the only sound in the den coming from the two alive pups and the panting of their tired mother.

Minutes passed, and the first born, one lighter colored than the second, made a noise. Malice grunted as she was awakened by the small presence, giving it a lick on it's head which made it shut up for 2 seconds or so. Oh come on, please keep it down... She breathed to the pup in a sweet whisper, knowing it would probably not even listen to her. She nudged it again, and now noticed it had a small eenie meenie penis. A boy huh? Her attention shifted to the darker, smaller pup that was doing it's own thing, and nudged it over gently as well. Another tiny penis. She was blessed with two boys, her two kings, the grand-children of Lucifer. She smiled at them, ignoring the highly pitched voices for now, and looked at the two dead children. It saddened her to see they had not moved, and were as cold as stone, but that was life. She was happy with the two little boys at least, for she had gone through a lot to birth them. She took one of them in her mouth and placed it to the side to... She didn't know. Was it unwolf to eat them? Her belly rumbled at the thought. They weren't alive anyway...

She gobbled them up quickly, tears forming in her eyes as she did so, but without food, he other children wouldn't survive. This was survival. This was for the two that were alive. This was for Burke. Speaking of, where the hell was he? 

Burke had gone for his daily patrol, not really expecting that Malice would have given birth once he would return. The male also made it his duty to bring her some food in return. The male knew she had to eat frequently. Hence why it took him longer than usual. He did not succeed in catching anything this time, and had to return empty handed. The caches were barely non excistent. But he just wanted to see her and rest a bit before he would go out again and try once more to find her a meal.

Once the male came to his den, he instantly noticed the smell was different. The large male smelled blood and other fluids. On top of that he heard the soft squeals. His ears perked up, his head tipping a bit in surprise. He popped his head inside, not sure if Malice would allow him inside and see his newborns. A father once more. "Malice?," he asked, eyes adjusting to the darkness. "Can I come in? Are you okay?," he questioned.

Malice stared dreamily at her two pups, her two boys, squirming about basically nothing as their first few minutes on earth passed. Then the subject of names popped into her head. Oh darn, she had not even thought about that. But who could blame her? With the famine and change of home all having went down, there had been no time to even discuss names nor make some up herself. She thought for a second. What would dad have wanted them to be named? Something dark, something mysterious, a name to remember. Malice knew much about demons and other shit they had taught the pups at Lucifer Peak, so maybe a mythological being? She looked at the first born, then at the second, then back again and again. 

She gave up halfway through as the head of someone poked into her den. Without looking, she let out a small snarl and her hackles raised, assuming it was Damien or Nemesis coming to eat her children or whatever. The second she looked at the den opening though, and heard Burke's manly voice, she calmed down. Sorry. She whispered, as if the little ones could hear her. We're fine, Burke... More than fine. She motioned that Burke could come in with her head, her belly and the pups laying open for him to admire.

Just look at them... So innocent... She breathed, her eyes going from the gray male to her little ones. Then a light popped on inside her head. She motioned to the first born, hovering above the small brown frame, and whispered. Vassago... She turned to the smaller, darker blob of fur, and whispered yet again. Pyro...

Burke entered the den, he had not been surprised by the snarl. He had met up with the females that gave birth to his young before, and they could be fiecely protective. He was not going to mess with a mother. Especially not so close after birth. It was always so weird to see. Burke was a big guy and seeing the small blobs compared to his huge paws it was baffling. 

"Don't apologize," he spoke. "And I mean ever again, you have to stop saying sorry all the time," he added and then nosed over the young by her belly after she named them. One was brown and the other was dark. No greys, probably better because if one would look like Pietro he didn't know what Nemesis would do. But he didn't know that the brown one would be a brown version of Pietro's coloring. 

These pups were so young, and frankly Burke didn't know what to do with them. Though he did gave them both a lick over the top of their heads. "I'm glad to see you're okay," he spoke. He laid behind Malice, so she could rest against him while the pups were at her belly. It surprised him that there were two, probably for the better as more would mean more mouths to feed. He nudged her cheek, though even in the privacy of their own den he  was hesitant to lick or show more affection.

Excuse me, then? She asked. Or; I am so saddened by the fact that I did that? She teased slightly, tired eyes scanning how the father interacted with his new sons. It wasn't much, and Burke wasn't as excited as she was (Or at least, he didn't show it), but perhaps that was because he already had many pups. She frowned, but not for long. No, she wasn't jealous at all, not a single bit. At least he licked them both, their little children, and Malice couldn't help but smile at the sight. If only he did that to her...

She did not move as Burke went ahead and placed his massive body behind her, only stared at the two blobs at her belly. They were so small, it was extraordinary to think these two would ever be grown wolves, standing and talking just like everyone. Hell, it was hard to believe they had made them. 

She wanted to explain the names she had given the two little boys, but changed her mind. She had the feeling Burke wouldn't like the names anymore if she told their origins. Pyro was the demon of falsehood and lies, while the other was named after a fallen angel that found things lost or hidden. She didn't mean for one to have a more positive meaning, it were simply the names that had stuck with her. I'm glad these ones are okay... She said as she placed a small kiss on Burke's cheek after he nudged her. She had the image of a slut already in the eyes of the Dark Brotherhood wolves anyway, so why bother? She knew she was better than that, and Burke did too (hopefully), and that was all that mattered. For now, she was happy, too happy perhaps for the famine was still not over.

Such pupe! Much excite! :D

He was lucky to even be born. The small one, the one Malice decided would be called Pyro was a weak thing, nowhere close to his more dominant brother, but closely resembling those who did not make it out of their mother alive. But he was fierce. Even with his disappointing size, the smaller brother latched on to his mother's teat desperately, and eventually drifted off to sleep after a very stressful and tiring first day on earth. May it not be the last.

The smell of blood and the squirming sounds reached Damien soon enough. It had happened.

Damien was not the wolf he liked to be. His body had suffered from the hunger that trapped the wilds, losing brawn by the day and eating little and sporadically. But there was no turning back now. This whole scam needed to stop.

The dark prince slithered through shadows, leaving his weak brother to rest in the den while he collected @Nemesis and @Kove to do what had to be done. With the Dark Brother and Sister behind him, Damien had enough support to legitimize what he was about to claim.

He approached cautiously, knowing that Burke and his whore would be aggressively defending their newborns, but hoping that their minds would not be in their sharpest.

"They don't belong here, Burke," barked Damien from outside the den. It reeked at blood, and it made Damien's ears twitch. Those creatures would be a satisfying bite.

She had not much time to gather more followers before Damien took his leap, and the rats were born. The restless Beta had waited too long, but a nag in her insides made her want to turn back, that it was not the right time. While Damien clearly had no problems intruding in on the private affair nor threatened by the consequences of doing so. The air was tainted with the scent of blood, disgustingly so. The birth of Burke's new prizes, bound to forget his dead son in the ground. It made her sick. So she held back, only a few feet away from Damien but enough to indicate she had followed with him. It was time to set things right, and for the Dark pack to come to order once more. For once, she did not care what Burke thought. He was no longer the Alpha she had admired but a sham of lies and betrayal.

Her eyes narrowed into slits upon seeing the female she so strongly hated. But a tinge of jealousy arose within her. The tones from within thr den inidcated they were.. happy. Why could she not be like that? No, she shook her head from those thoughts. It was not the time to get emotional. There was things to be done, and beings to get rid of before the night was up. She was unsure of what Damien would do, but she was sure of what she would, drag Malice by her tail all the way to the next region while Damien disposed of the children. They had no place among the Brotherhood, and she would not have her pack diseased by their scandelous blood.

When the time had come for him to be collected, Kove followed in silence with expressionless features. None of them—those beyond Blackfeather included—were as healthy as they once were, but from numbers came strength, and so he'd focused upon his comrades. He knew not what Damien might do, or how the situation as a whole would play out, but he felt himself to be prepared nevertheless. Meldresi was the one he'd sworn his allegiance to so long ago, and the respect he'd felt for her had easily carried on to her children; the first litter, anyways. Her children, the firstborn specifically, had a right to the throne. He had the right to decide who stayed within the woods and who was to be forced out. It was his decision, as the true king of the shadows, and the Inuit would follow his lead because of that.

Once they'd reached the whelping den, the alabaster man was not so quick to march up to the entrance. Recalling his own feelings from back when he'd been made a father, he knew the risks, and was not willing to allow anyone's fangs to sink into his flesh. Besides, it was not his time to speak, and so he'd hung back. It was not at Nemesis' side that he'd waited by, however, but nearer to the younger male's right flank instead as his support was given. No matter how the situation was to unfold, he would stay there, looking to the late queen's son as his leader.

He should have seen it coming, this. Cicero had remained in Damien's den for a while, had gathered little amounts of his strength back. It was with painstaking slowness that he dragged his skeletal body through the Woods because he knew something was amiss. And when he saw the pitchforks and torches outside of the birthing den, he knew something was amiss.

This was perhaps the natural flow of things. The strong survived, in most cases; but in truth, the strong were often the popular. To see his brother rise above Burke in the game of popularity was a mixed feeling. It felt as if it should have been Burke's to give, this position, this honour, as if Burke should have guided Damien to his full potential.

Cicero moved to Damien's side and nosed it. He looked at his brother and said, "There is no use or benefit in murdering the innocent without giving them a chance. Will Damien let them live and flee if they surrender the throne to its rightful owners?" There was no mistake in his words when he spoke the word -- he would stand beside Damien if this were to take place. Not because he was thirsty for power, but because he knew that Damien would need a conscience to guide his steps.

Malice had swiftly grown into someone Cicero enjoyed spending time with. He had been so blind not to see that others did not share his sentiment. Yet how could he steer away from tragedy now? Blood was thick in the air and Burke could not take on the rest of the pack by himself. Burke had never liked Kove and so his choice was an easy one. Even his own Beta did behind Damien. And Cicero, well...

He liked Malice, he respected Burke -- but he loved Damien.

It was soon clear that there ws a gathering outside their den. Burke lifted his head and instantly stood up to take his on his role as their gaurdian. He had noticed from Malice that most wolves were not that happy with her arrival but it seemed there were quite a few more. Burke stepped from the den but made sure to block it off from Malice and her two young. Damien was the one that had called out that they didn't belong here. Burke could have thought ungly things about Damien and why he was reacting this way but the alpha was not. His face was a bit tense, especially seeing Nemesis, Kove and Cicero standing before their den. If they would attack there was no way he could hold them off. They could kill him, followed by Malice and the two pups. 

A sadness filled Burke's heart. He did not understand the hatred they were showing to him, in his own eyes he had been a good alpha, one that was always there for his pack. Never leaving them and guiding them through two natural distasters that struck them. The sadness that was swirling through his body was also connected to the fact that all the wolves who he was close with, or thought he was close with were standing here in protest. Frankly Burke had no clue why. But with the realisation that they could kill him now came also a sense of calmness. Because what could he do really? Maybe if he could keep them to talk or at least say what they thought he had done wrong. Clearly the main topic of his life was betrayal of the ones who he loved. It hurt the most coming from Damien, the one he had seen as his own son. One who he loved as one.  

"Please do explain to me why this gathering? In my eyes I have done nothing wrong," he stated. Malice had not become their queen and would not become one, as he had stated before. She had been in this pack for him, not for anyone else. He did wonder why Kove and Nemesis were here. Maybe it was because they were jealous of the fact that they were not allowed to have children before. Well, that was not his fault. He had told them what would need to be recuired if they wanted a litter, and so far he had not heard from Nemesis she finished her speciality for the brotherhood. "At least let me explain or defend myself if you feel I have done any wrongings in your eyes," he commented, just guessing he had done something wrong for all of them to be here right now. Burke did not want to die or step down yet. He had enough life in him.

Her ears twitched at the sounds of people outside, and a low rumble left her throat. Not this again. She had had enough of this. What was wrong with these wolves? What did they think was wrong about her? Were they here to kill or to argue? Or just simply to hate? Malice had no clue. She heard the hateful voice of Damien, and couldn't help but to let a sentence slip. You don't belong so near to our children, Damien... She spoke softly yet clear, still tired from the eventful morning. Finally a fire was burning in her heart again, a fire that had burned as she killed her own mother. No one would touch her little boys, no one. Not even the womanslapper Damien. Next came the voice of Cicero, and perhaps his words would be the kindest she could get out of the mob. Sure, it was no sweet goodnight or anything, but at least it was something that showed he had not followed the hostile actions of the rest. Sort of.

She could hear, almost feel in the air, that there were more beings outside the den, and sighed a disappointed sigh as Burke got up. She couldn't do anything, only silently hate on the mob that had gathered on the birthday of her first litter. Happy birthday, little ones. 

She listened to what was going outside, curling tighter around her two boys, nudging them softly to comfort them. Especially the lighter one was snuggled closely to her, for if the stronger one didn't survive, the smaller one couldn't also. Shhh... No one will hurt you, I promise... She whispered to the two of them, giving them both a few licks on their tiny little bodies. They were her main priority now. She knew she couldn't leave them be, they would freeze to death, and she knew the rest probably knew as well. She was defenseless- Burke was on his own on this one. Oh, how she hated the feeling of not being capable of helping the man that had blessed her with these small blobs.

With the support of the dark brother and sister on either side, Damien felt invincible. He did not yet hold the red mark like them, but he had always felt a part of the Brotherhood. He had been born into it, raised with it's morals, and matured into the one that was meant to lead it. Burke could do nothing about that anymore.

Damien was not expecting his brother to show up, believing him too weak to even get out of his den. When his figure took form from the shadows, Damien couldn't believe his eyes, and took a few steps towards him in case he needed his support. But his words were even more surprising. He was a kind soul, Damien would have to admit. Cicero was on board with Damien leading, it seemed, but he tried advocating for the young ones, or at least that's what Damien got of his request. The dark youth eyed Nemesis over the corner of his eye, as if trying to gauge her opinion. Damien's plan had always been to get rid of the female before the pups were even born. And Burke, he was still Damien's father in his eyes, so he would still have a place in the pack if he stepped down willingly. If not, Damien had no reason not to vanish, or even finish him if it was necessary. But Cicero had changed it all. Cicero was someone Damien couldn't ignore, someone whose opinion and wisdom Damien valued.

A long silence fell over Blackfeather, thoughts swarming over Damien's mind until the whore decided she had to chime in. A growl rumbled from the depths of Damien's chest, and he took one step further towards Burke, who had come out of the den to protect his young.

"You cannot be so blind..." spoke Damien in a calm, disappointed tone just like Burke, but tainted with anger. "See what we're going through with your own eyes while you feed your whore," he barked, pointing to Cicero and how gaunt he was. They all looked as bad as they could, short of emaciated, and battled every day with the hunger, with death. "We starve, Burke. There hasn't been enough food for all of us in weeks. And what little we have you give it to her, an outsider. You disgraced my mother by bringing her here. You pledged loyalty to her, your mate, don't you remember?" he explained, seeing that Burke thought himself absolutely innocent of all those charges.

"You know the rules, Burke, the tenets?"

Tenet Two: Never betray the Dark Brotherhood or its secrets. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis. She entered the tense scene just in time, throwing her voice on her brother's side. The priestess was gaunt, though her frame was not as thin as her brother Cicero, who she looked at sadly. He took the brunt of the famine; he was the perfect example of their cause. Burke had funneled away what resources they had to an outsider Did you intend on her being a Dark Sister, or just your own personal whore? She snarled the word like a hex, her sunken eye flashing to look behind Burke into the den. She couldn't see how many were nestled in the curve of Malice's side, but the little whimpers and Burke's protective posturing told her that some had survived the ordeal of birth. Only one positive has come from this: new warriors were born for Mephala and Sithis. She murmured, looking towards Damien knowingly. True, they were helpless and dependent now, but when they outgrew their mother's milk, the children would be pressed into service. All wolves born in these Woods would serve their Gods. But that doesn't excuse these circumstances. You betrayed us, Burke. You let this outsider into our fold in our time of need, taking away from us.

The Beta took her time to answer. It was her intent to follow Damien, for he was to be the next Alpha. What benefited the pack, she would support. How could she not? She had learned from the very Alpha himself. But that same Alpha had betrayed them, regardless of her personal feelings or not. He had brung a rival Alpha to their lands, to Meldresi's lands and disgracing the Night Mother's legacy. It was violation of the very rules he inforced, and she would not have it. 

"You have betrayed the Brotherhood in bringing her here.. she does not belong and you are lying to yourself in saying otherwise,"

Malice was simply not good enough to have a spot among them, and she could claim otherwise as long as she wanted. "I tried to warn you of this but you chose not to listen, instead ignore your Beta for the affections of a rival Alpha. It is a disgrace to Meldresi's legacy, although you may be blind to see it. It is not right," It was disgusting, how he threw away what little was of Meldresi's past. How dare he give a stranger the right to intrude on their lives, on the secrets and their history. It was forbidded, but Burke had broken his own rule. And now, he would be subject to the consequences of doing so.

For the most part, Kove had remained silent. It was only when Cicero arrived did he make a sound, a faint growl in his throat that was directed towards the woman in the den and the man that guarded her. Burke's mind had been clouded by the bastards that she had been carrying, and as a result the boy he'd declared as his son had been left to starve. None of them were especially fit anymore, but he looked, by far, worse off than any of them. It was almost painful to look at him, but the Inuit did not avert his gaze. No, he'd allowed his stare to linger on the other, disbelief present in his eyes as he'd then looked to the greying male. The physical state of the younger lupine was a terrible thing, and he could see no one as being to blame for it except the alleged leader. Perhaps the course of his thoughts were fueled by the words of everyone else, or perhaps he'd come to the conclusion all on his own—no matter the path he'd taken, he'd ended up at the same location, and it only made him feel more confident in his decision to side with the true heir to the throne.

"The one thing that everyone must swear on before being welcomed into the Brotherhood is that they will not break the tenets, yet you've done exactly that," Kove voiced, inserting his two cents into the conversation. "Are you still a Brother, Burke? Or have you turned your back on the Brotherhood, just as you have the pack and your family, in favour of an outsider?" He stepped closer, then, but did not pass Damien's form. He stayed back, his actions showing that the prince had his support in whatever he decided to do. It was time for a change, it was time for the pack to return to its former glory, and for the Brotherhood to be made strong again. Beneath Burke's leadership, the pale wolf did not believe such feats could ever be achieved, but with Damien? All would be as it once was, he was certain of it.

A silence fell between them, heavy and tense, as Damien seemed to consider Cicero's words. It seemed that he was on his way towards diplomacy that he could then turn inwards — talk rationally to Burke and Malice to explain their chances and choices — when Burke himself came out into the open to talk. He seemed not to understand what was amiss, and it was hard to miss the hurt in his expression and voice as he slowly came to terms with what was going on.

Then everyone started to talk again, throwing accusations at Burke. It was what Cicero had hoped to avoid in asking Damien; he had hoped to be able to talk privately to them, to offer them choices — for Malice to leave with the young ones, or for them both to if they preferred it — but now there were only more accusations. Cicero doubted it would bring peace as easily. Potema seemed to think they needed to keep the pups, but Cicero did not feel it fair. He knew a peaceable outcome wasn't possible, not one that would please all parties, but he hoped to avoid spilling blood. He would do anything to avoid seeing his family tear each other up.

"The children will stay with Malice," Cicero said, words directed to his sister, a sudden stern and definite tone to his voice, as though the decision had yet been made. He stood erect, despite his skeletal appearance, his tail rising suddenly and body language exuding authority as he realised what he needed to do. "They will be allowed to leave the pack safely. Burke will have a choice to step down or leave with her." Cicero looked at Burke, a shimmer of emotion allowed to seep through to his eyes. "This is the way things are. Discussion will not help. It is too late now." Had he been stronger — ironically, for he would have likely been had there not been a pregnant female to feed — then Cicero could have seen this coming earlier and could have tried to stop it.

But it was too late now, so all he could do was damage control.

Burke stood before his members with a quiet expression when all expressed how he was not loyal and how he was not even a dark brother anymore. Couldn't they see that everything he had done in his life ever since joining Black Feather had been for them? Burke gave them each enough respect and listened them without interrupting. First there was the matter of food, Damien pointed out. To then start about the tenets. Burke kept his face straight, because he did not broke the tenets of the brotherhood. Potema helped point that out too how he broke tenet II.

He could not reply yet because then Nemesis had something to say too, once again accusing that he had betrayed their tenets. Did they even have proof he did? They were open to perception, most of them at least. Then on top of that Kove went back to his old ways and used his past against him once more. Somehow that didn't surprise the alpha. It seemed that his past triggered something with Kove that kept him to repeat it even though Burke had worked past Kove's own mistakes he made in the past. Cicero followed with a decision, him stepping down or him leaving. This was nonsense, he was not going to step down. Both would feel like he was thrown out by his own loved ones and friends.

Burke cleared his throat. "The tenets are open for ones own perception. I cannot be blamed for something that is not stated clearly in the rules. Tenet I. Never dishonor the Night Mother. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis. In my perception if I would have fathered pups with a female and not raise them to be loyal servants to the night mother, that would have been a dishonor. Now the night mother has two more recruits and one that will fight for her." Burke kept his eyes roaming over all of them as he spoke. If they would blame him on breaking this first tenet that would not be fair, then all could be blamed under that rule. Burke could also say Kove broke that rule of dishonoring the night mother by starting a pack and not being alpha or having any of his members follow that religion. After all he had failed that time just as well.

"Tenet II. Never betray the Dark Brotherhood or its secrets. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis, as you pointed out to me Potema, I have not done this either. Malice doesn't know anything about the brotherhood or the night mother. All I talked about with her are personal things, nothing related to the brotherhood or its secrets," he continued on a calm tone. He raised his chin a bit to address further matters because now he did have the time to explain himself so he damn well would take his time.

"I did not betray any of you, nor did I betray Meldresi. I would never even think of doing such a thing. Every day I've mourned her, guarded her resting place till her bones were ready. It has been more than half a year since her death and I think that now is a time to continue living. I have been a solid leader for about a year now. My scent never lacked on the borders. There has not been a day I've stopped working for this pack each day from the moment arrived here. Not even when Meldresi died, or when my own son was murdered. I never wavered to think about you all first instead of myself. I have been a leader, a mentor, a counselor and a friend for each one of you. For three of those standing here I've even been a father too," he pointed out, looking at the first batch of spiderlings. "I took Malice in for myself. For one moment in my life I chose for myself. I did not intend to replace Meldresi. Malice won't be queen. She is here for me, not for any of you, or to take over the pack in any way. As cold as I may seem sometimes. I am not. And I am stick and tired of being alone. There was no one in the pack for me to grow close with in that way. If I would done so to Nemesis then I would have broken tenet IV. And other females were not there at the time that came even close to catching my attention. I should be happy too, and not be in constant mourning or working mode. As for the famine, I am allowed to accept new recruits but I am not allowed to accept Malice in our pack? That is very hypocritical. She has proved herself to me, but you are not allowing to prove herself to all of you."

He took a moment to take a breath seeing that he was not done resting his case. "None of us are perfect. I myself are not perfect, but you aren't either. Kove, it seems you are fond of starting about my past. That is behind me. I thought we had been over this as I have accepted your pasts mistakes too. The pack and even Meldresi accepted you mistakes, Kove. We worked past it and allowed you back in these ranks, even your son was allowed in this pack to prove himself. You here you are still a dark brother today. Still ready to serve after you proved yourself," he pointed out on the same calm tone. After all Meldresi herself had not been happy at the time to hear that Kove had failed, at least Meldresi had never been mad at him. "Nemesis, my hard working Beta, and the one I confide in. I made an exception for you too. There was no specialty done yet, still isn't, yet you call yourself a dark sister. Only because of the sole reason that you proved yourself. And I believe in you. I still do," Burke continued. He had no ill words for any of them. Even though their accusation hurt him deeply, and he felt horribly betrayed Burke had spent long enough of his time looking back at his past and feeling bitter about it. Last time he had turned his back to his pack, but not this time. Because he didn't want to leave his family and close friends. Instead of starting about the spiderlings he started about himself.

"I decided for myself that the brotherhood needed a strong leader ever since Meldresi went missing. Each moment that things were difficult I kept going, providing for this pack. With the floods, when Meldresi went missing, when all three spiderlings were gone. When Meldresi died, every day on afterwards I had to live without her, and then on top of all of that followed with my own son being murdered. Instead of being emotional about life I've kept going, for all of you and this pack. I've became lonely, as I did not want to share any weaknesses with any of you all, not wanting that you guys would have to doubt leadership, ever. To question if I still am a brother or even loyal to this pack, then you all have been blind. Have any of you ever seen how hard I've been working? You are all very close to me, friends and most of all loved ones. And maybe that worked against me know, keeping things private. Maybe I have not shared enough with you all, because the moment you saw a fault in me you all came here for my blood. That is what I am assuming what you are doing, surrounding me around my home without an escape, and with such hatred filled in your eyes. At least I hope you aren't here to kill me." He eyed at Damien, because at times he really was not sure about his own son and his thoughts.

Burke did not know what they came here to do, or what their goal was. Did they came here to kill him? Did they came here to kill Malice and the young? Cicero seemed against it. They wanted him gone, that was clear. Burke pushed away those feelings how much that thought hurt. "I do not want to step down. I don't think I deserve to be told to leave or even step down just because I let a female in our pack you guys don't like or approve of. I've been there and loyal to all of you, providing nothing but selfless actions and decisions before Malice came here. If that is how you want to treat me then I can't deny I would be more than disappointed." In fact, the mere thought of all of his friends and loved ones casting him out did something very strange inside of him. But Burke knew too that if they did not want to follow him as a leader anymore then he could not be alpha either. He almost wished he didn't go after his feelings because if he knew this would have happened he might have thought harder about taking Malice to Black Feather. "My decision with taking Malice in was not to upset you. It seems I have, and I am sorry. I know sorry might not mean a lot, but please look at the past year and what I've done for each of you standing here this moment. I want a second chance."

Malice gritted her teeth at Damien's words. So she was a whore now? Well, wasn't that nice to know. But for her knowledge, whores did it with everybody, and she only wanted Burke. Wouldn't that make her a personal- ah thanks Potema. She nuzzled the firstborn closely as it began whining, a deafening sound that was not very appreciated, but anything was better than the voices of the vermin mob outside. She began humming a soft melody to distract her from the question that roamed in her head, the ones she knew not to ask if she wanted to help Burke, herself and her children. Her curiosity was only natural though, for the longer they talked, the more it was about something she had no knowledge of.

It seemed almost the whole pack had gathered on the birthday of her boys, yet this wasn't a party at all. It was nerve wrecking, absolutely horrendous. She ignored the words of Nemesis-and it surprised her to hear no "whore" leaving that dirty mouth of both herself and her-, but her ears twitched at the sound of a familiar voice. It was the icy male from the grove, right? 

She licked Vassago a bit as Cicero talked, even though the hate for the mixed boy was now growing too. Hell, she hated everyone outside except for Burke now. Leave? Burke too? What the hell was wrong with this pack to make it more broken than Moonlit Hills ever was. Burke was the most loyal and selfless man Malice had ever met, couldn't they see they had it damn well with him as a leader? Malice was sure there had already been a few starvation deaths, and yet the ones outside were all fit enough to argue- to overthrow a great male. This was ridiculous, despicable. She wanted to defend the man she loved- but it seemed he could do that very well on his own.

Malice listened to every word Burke was saying, taking notes in her head, trying to understand the whole story. What were tenets? Were they some kind of rule-system? Her head was bonking and she was tired, yet still sleep was denied. And who was Kove? Was that the icy male? With who did he have a son, and where was the brat then? She rested her head near the two boy's butts, saddened that this pack disrespected their alpha just like any other. Perhaps with fear was the only way to rule, just like her father was probably still doing at LuciferPeak. When Burke ended his speech-that actually deserved an encore-, Malice got up just enough to hear what the rest had to say now. They better admit their mistakes, or else...

Every word was spoken. The wolves standing next to Damien had their own concerns, which they voiced for Burke to hear, and he damn well did. Potema came out of the shadows, citing the second tenet, and explaining how she believed Burke had broken it. Damien looked at her, relieved that she had made up her mind, but his expression remained the same. Cicero responded then, claiming that the pups would not be touched an that Malice would be allowed to leave untouched. It was to be expected from him, as Damien knew that his brother had a good relationship with Malice. However, like Burke, Cicero would have to accept whatever Damien decided. He had the pack behind him, and neither of them could take them all down. Still, Cicero's words sank in.

When Nemesis took her turn to speak, she did so with authority. She was the Beta after all, and she had indeed warned Burke that Malice would only bring problems to the pack. Her words, like Kove's, expressed the betrayal they felt from Burke. And Burke had a response for all of them.

The Alpha took his turn to speak, to defend himself from the accusations, and he took his time and heart to do so. Damien listened, honoring the respect he still had for the one who had taught him most of what he knew, for the one who had been there, as he'd claimed, as a father. And it shook Damien's heart to listen. With his heart on his hand, Burke asked to be given a second chance, something Damien had been expecting.

"A second chance?" asked the dark prince after a thoughtful silence. "You did betray us, Burke. You betray your dark Brother and Sister here, who have proved themselves to you, to me, and to Meldresi through hard work and blood. You betrayed them when you chose to breed with this female, impregnate her and allow her to bring your bastards to the world when Kove and Nemesis were more than qualified -not to say the obvious choice- to provide the pack with a new generation devoted to Mephala and Sithis, raised by wolves devout to Mephala and Sithis. You also betrayed your late queen and mate by housing your mistress in her own home, the place where she gave birth to her first litter, the place where she gave birth to your children and where she took her last breath. You betrayed us, your sons and daughters by letting her birth your bastards among us as if they belonged here. And you betrayed your pack because when the plague came you were too busy feeding her to see that we were starving. We still are." he added pointing at Cicero, disappointment starting to water his eyes by that point.

"Did you plan on bringing them here since the beginning, Burke? Did you even plan them at all? Because it sounds to me like you are using my sister's opinion as an excuse to free yourself from these charges," Damien said accusingly, looking at Potema sternly as if blaming her for giving Burke an escape route. "She might be right, though... They could be of use to us, but I doubt Malice can be the mother we need for them. he sighed, coming to a conclusion about another matter, "And you're right," he admitted to Burke, "for as much as I dislike the circumstances of her presence, Malice still does deserve a chance to prove herself," he said, looking back at Nemesis who he thought might be opposed to that thought. "I guess you ruined that for her too..." he spoke as he slowly turned back to Burke again.

Damien hated the situation he was in. He had never ceased to see Burke as his paternal figure, not ever since he started teaching him about fighting, about life, and not even when he messed up with Malice. Damien had to admit one thing to himself, he did not want to lose Burke because of this female, she wasn't worth it, but Burke didn't seem to see that.

"We both know that even if your intention was to replace my mother, you wouldn't even get close to it," he commented, and the pain in his words could be felt through the air. "We all lost her, not just you. And we will not stop mourning her because she cannot be replaced. She will always be our Queen, our way of life. But if you wish to continue your life, to get over her, then there's no way for me to stop you nor a reason to do so." he confirmed, "However, if you do then it will not be among these trees. This forest still, and will always belong to Meldresi." Damien declared, still strong with his decision and his belief, yet somewhat shaken by the words that had come out of Burke's mouth. They had made him realize how much Blackfeather Woods would change without him, not to mention that he was the only parental figure left, even if he wasn't his blood father.

Stark white eyes looked at everyone around. Kove, Nemesis, Potema and finally Cicero. Damien looked at his brother with fondness, but also with pain.

"I disagree with my brother," stated Damien resolutely, "I don't think it is too late to discuss this. You were a good leader while it lasted, and I am sure there is still a lot for me to learn from you, father. But I don't see you fit to lead this pack, or the Brotherhood anymore. You lack the vehemence to make this pack one to be afraid of, and that will only worsen with your age now." he stated confidently, remembering how Burke once admitted not having punished Grimnir even though he knew he was responsible of Potema's attack, and when Akela raised to leadership seemingly only because he was Burke's friend while he hadn't even shown interest in the Pack's way of life. Blackfeather Woods was supposed to be an elite, to wreak havoc upon the land and to make shivers run down the spine of anyone who knew of their existence, but it wasn't even close. Many thoughts ran through Damien's mind, thoughts of hate, thoughts of love, regretful thoughts and autharchic thoughts. All of those ideas seemed to repel each other even if Damien tried to reconcile them into a decision.

Decisions...

Decisions...

"I will not kill you." resolved the dark prince after silent deliberation, "I will offer you the choice to stay. If you accept you would be my adviser. You were a good Alpha after all," Damien spoke with compassion in an unexpected turn of events, even for himself, but in a second his expression became imperious once again. "If you don't you will not see this land, or your pups again. They will stay to become soldiers whether it is with you as their mentor or not." the dark heir finished, trying his best to come to a middle ground between his own conflicctive thoughts. Now it was all on Burke's field. Damien would not back down, and he was confident his supporters wouldn't either. He was going to rule over Blackfeather Woods, and he would make sure the pack reached it's full potential. But first he had to solve pressing matters and figure out a way to survive the hunger, something Burke was not even showing promise in fulfilling.

this took a while...
btw this reminds me a lot of that time Dany meets the dwarf... :v

Words slashed through the air, daggers that cut through the remaining tendrils of fabric that bound the Brotherhood together. Opinions, shades different from each other were voiced. Five against two. The Beta and Dark Sister, the Priest and Dark Brother, the Spymaster and Philosopher, the Assassin and Warrior, the Witch and Herbalist, stared down the King and Therapist, the Usurper and Wench. It was an interesting standoff to be sure, but one that had its echoes in history. Burke had slipped, whether he intended to or realized his mistake when he made it. Surely, he must have known that there would be repercussions behind bringing this woman and her spawn here. Surely, he must have been thinking that when the famine came. Surely, if he was the wise king they knew, he would have thought of that.

But people weren't always what they seemed.

Potema's eye met her brother with a cold glare, offended that he would dare accuse her. She wasn't intending to alleviate Burke's sins by suggesting that. But alas, she was no master of wordplay like Cic'. If she had her time to elaborate, she would have suggested a harsher fate for the bastards and their whore mother.

She thought for a moment, keeping quiet to herself as her brother lashed out at Burke, slowly realizing something. Her eye widened for a moment, it's pupil focusing accusingly at Malice. And what of her pack then, in Phantom Hollow? What became of them after you stole their alpha away from them? During the famine no less! She hardly knew of the pack and its inhabitants, but she knew how devestating it was to lose one's leader in a time of great need. Had they even had someone to take the reins after Malice fled here? Did you destroy one pack and ruin another, Burke?

His excuses were not enough to change her mind. It was a repetition of all she had heard before, that he loved her and there was nothing wrong. Well, the truth was, there was something defiantly wrong. Where was the wise Alpha she had admired, who always had a plan and never failed to show her he was right. This time, it wasn't so simple. He truly had failed them, and now, the damage had extended beyond repair. “Why don’t you understand?” 

The Beta did not understand why he did not see, that this was not a debate. 

“You have a choice, Burke. You have shown you care more about her than the pack you claim to be living for, you have shown you are not fit to be the Alpha. The Brotherhood needs a backbone, not by someone so clouded by false affections they can’t see their own pack is starving. Look at us.. We are barely alive while you think it's okay to waltz on in here with your slut on your heels who has not proven anything to the Brotherhood whatsoever,” Malice had not proved anything but that she was a failure Alpha, a whore and an unobedient subordinate. Never had the female proved anything, to her, the Brotherhood or the rest of the pack. Just because Burke seen something in her, did not mean she even had potential for the Brotherhood. "We take in those who will do us good, who have potential and a wish to live among our dark forests. Malice is only here because she has your kids. What does that say for the Brotherhood? That we accept ordinary wolves with no goals? You may think it is okay for us to live in mediocracy, but we don't. Look at her. A failed Alpha who left her pack admist a tragety. She has no potential for the Brotherhood, nothing to even suggest she is even good enough to fall into our ranks. We don't give them a chance to shine, they must be good already. It is time for you to cast your feelings aside and look at her with an unbiased eye. She has no place here, and yet you waste what little we have on her. Where is your loyalty?" She would not have a stain on the Brotherhood legacy. It was bad enough that Meldresi's had been decimated into nothing by the sheer presence of the strange female in their home. Malice was the mistake nobody wanted, the default, the one nobody wished for. And she was not welcome any longer.


 “It does not matter, this is not the time for forgiveness. You will step down or you will leave. This would never have been allowed before, and yet you have made an exception for someone you barely know, a rival Alpha, someone who has insulted us more than once and for what? To get a happiness you could have got by just being more involved with your pack that has been failing under your rule. I daresay Cicero has done more for the Brotherhood in the last few months than you have claimed to do. And he is the one with his bones showing,” It was a heavy accusation to throw, but it was right. Burke had neglected them. An Alpha did everthing for the pack, their needs above his own. That just wasn't good enough for him, he wanted more. Well, it came with the job. Love rarely took presidence over duty, and that was just the way it was. Nemesis herself had been ready to give up any plans of a future with someone until Kove had arrived, and even then, he upheld his duties too. 

Still, Nemesis still had a flicker of hope, that this wasn't the end.

Truly, she didn't want it to be.

Words were said, opinions and facts alike having filled the air around them all. No matter what was, or was to be, said, Kove would remain on the side of his late queen's son. However, his head had turned, gaze regarding the other male spiderling as he'd started to speak. He had always seemed to be the more docile member of their family, and yet, he'd stepped up in that moment to ensure his voice was heard. He'd spoken with a stern tone, first to his sister and then, seemingly, to the entirety of the group. The children would not be taken away from Malice, nor would they be harmed. Safety was to be granted to them, or so the younger had said, but the Inuit soon found his gaze drifting back to Damien. Cicero was a child of Meldresi just as Damien and Potema were, but the northerner could not view him as his leader. As an individual, he was loyal to the three of them equally, but as a member of the pack he could see only the eldest as being the heir to the throne. It was how his mind functioned, nothing more nor less, and his thoughts were unlikely to change.

Slowly, his attention drifted towards Burke, for his time to speak had arrived. He'd spoken of the tenets, justifying his actions and claiming to have not broken any of them, but the accusation had already been made. If they were truly open for the interpretation of others, then it was not the man's place to declare whether or not he was in the right, for of course he'd be able to see himself as having done no harm. Kove, on the other hand, saw things differently. No matter what was said, he believed, still, that one of the sacred tenets—in the very least—had been broken. It'd been broken not by a new recruit, either, but by a man that had been with the Brotherhood for quite some time already. A man that had, by default, been titled as the leader of the Brotherhood. Burke was meant to set an example for the rest of them, but as far as the Inuit was concerned, he had failed in doing so. Feelings of betrayal had since nestled themselves deeply into the inner workings of the pallid being, and were reluctant to leave no matter how many more words were said. There existed no justifications for the man's actions, there existed no sympathy for him, and Kove would not bow down and pretend to think otherwise.

When he had been addressed, he'd listened closely. Never before had the Inuit claimed perfection, and never would he. He had been raised better than to think so, he understood that he was fully capable of making mistakes, and that was okay. Yet, even still, Burke's mistakes could not be accepted. His poor judgement had resulted in Cicero's terrible health. His poor judgement had resulted in some fiend being granted access into their home. His fellow northerner had made a mistake and, because of that, would not receive Kove's support on any matters. "My mistakes never resulted in any members of my pack starving," he'd stated, the sentence blunt. "Neither in the present nor the past have my mistakes resulted in someone nearing death, but the same cannot be said for you." He remembered, vaguely, his past meeting with Sebastian. The words shared that day, the look into the great leader's past, floated through his mind every once in awhile, such as what was currently happening. Burke had chosen for himself before. He'd acted selfishly, and things had not turned out well at all. "In the past, you chose for yourself. Do you remember? Do you remember all the damage that you had caused to the pack you were supposed to protect? I am sure your other son does. Do you plan to do the same thing here—to us? I cannot speak for the others, but I know that I do not want to be left in the same state as your previous pack." He didn't want to die, nor did he want to see those that he cared about die. To allow for the man's misdoings to cause such tragedy was, of course, out of the question, and so the only logical solution was to watch Damien rise to power. It was how things should be, and how he hoped the situation might end up. It was clear that, even if Burke said otherwise, the pack now came second to the wench he'd returned with.

There, Kove fell silent. He listened to Damien, his eyes showing the support and agreement he felt towards everything said. The words were taken to heart, especially when Meldresi had been brought up. Burke had betrayed her, in the Inuit's eyes. She'd been betrayed by the man that had claimed to love her, that had acted as if he'd devoted himself to her. Perhaps it was normal to want to move on—hell, he'd done so, hadn't he?—but their cases were different. Scarlett had been a mistake, his feelings having been incorrectly read, but it was supposed to be different with those two. Meldresi had been everything to the pack: a wonderful queen, and exceptional priestess, and a caring mother. She had been strong for them, and when she'd died it had hit them all fairly hard. Yes, maybe it wasn't healthy to mourn for the rest of their lives, but to give away her space as if her presence there meant nothing? Unacceptable. Kove had been loyal to Burke only because the late queen had seen something in him. She must have trusted in him, for a position of leadership had been granted to him. Yet, no longer could he feel in that way, for her memory had been betrayed. Though he could not speak for her, and never would he even attempt to, a part of him wanted to believe that she wouldn't be pleased with all that had transpired. For as much as he had wished to do so, no comments relating to his thoughts were made, for the floor was not his and he would not steal it from the male that had received his true loyalty. He would remain silent and listen in, glancing from face to face as the outcome was worked over. No matter how it ended, though, he knew things would be different. A rift would form if Burke did not bow, or a great change would be made if he did. Either way, each of those that stood there were beholding history right as it was made, and forever may the memories of that fateful day live on within them.

Despite Cicero's words, Burke spoke, long. Cicero did not truly care for the conversation that went on between them. Apparently he had been wrong that there was no more time and space for discussion. It was amazing how capable beings were to become afloat in endless discussion when action and decisions were what was necessary. Cicero felt dizzy, and as he took a step back to lean against a tree trunk he realised that perhaps part of his reasons had been selfish — he wanted them to stop discussing, perhaps, because he was tired and wanted to lay down again.

Accusations were flung and at the end of the circle, Cicero did not feel that they had gotten any further. Burke would unlikely accept the terms laid down by Damien. Cicero was opposed to using the pups as warriors; if they were so opposed to the pups' presence due to their need for sustenance the pack did not have presently, then why would they need to be kept and trained?

Yet the patchwork wolf did not say what was on his mind, feeling like the ball was in Burke's court once more. Cicero glanced at the den's entrance and he found himself wanting to get in; Malice had to feel poorly under the circumstances. Yet Burke stood in front of the den, so such a thing would be impossible, and Cicero furthermore knew better than to impose on a female that had recently given birth. Especially in the present circumstances.

His only terms were that no one would be harmed and the pups would not simply be ripped from their mother, and for that he would stand up if needed; but he wondered if it were possible once someone's patience ran out, once someone triggered and everything would break loose.

Cicero felt himself drowning in the words that were thrown back and forth, adding nothing to the conversation, and he began to wonder if he had been right after all — despite everyone else's seeming thought he was not — and discussion moot.

His eyes felt heavy, and he wondered how much longer they would discuss and what would happen. Words felt useless; they would only draw energy that he did not have and he did not feel that at this point, anyone was truly listening to one another. If this situation were not so dire he might have returned to Damien's den to rest, but Cicero waited, in case an eruption happened, until this tense situation ended in some way or another. Yet Cicero knew Damien was ambitious and he knew Burke was stubborn... Burke would never step down willingly, and Damien respected him too much, it seemed, to truly overthrown him, yet also did not want to let go of his desire to rule. The circle was endless, until one of them budged, but would that point come from conversation, Cicero wondered.

And so he leaned against the tree stump and he watched, settling in for more discussion, for more repeat of what was already said, for he was not sure this was a circle they would soon get out of.

"Is there any way to settle this that the pack can live with? Decision by duel, or some other form of decision that does not make them into a debate club where all hold onto their own opinions and nothing is pushed forward?" Cicero's mismatched eyes glanced around and he looked around the group, still leaning against the tree stump. "Or does the pack truly wish to stand here and discuss until they have all starved to death?" Of course, it would not get to that, but he hoped that he was making his point. Cicero loved to talk to others, but not if they were not working towards a resolution. And that was what they needed right now; to work towards resolution, to find some way to decide this where all parties involved would agree... If such a thing was at all possible.

None of them understood, and none of them could see. The large male inhaled sharply as he did not feel like this was going in the direction he wanted. He could feel bitterness fill his heart and body. He thought that he meant more to them, or that he would be treated like he treated them. Burke was stubborn but he was not entirely foolish. Sometimes maybe a bit reckless. But with all of them talking back he knew that there was no pack for him to lead anymore.

With Damien's words Burke thought of leaving. They called him a traitor but what about them? What about their relationship compared to him? Burke felt even less inclined to share what he had been feeling with any of them. He was tempted to go. Malice was probably going to do the same to him, once he was older, she would leave him to. But if he would leave, then where would he go? He did not want to serve under another alpha and with this famine he would most likely not survive on his own. Plus, even if he would not stay for Malice then he would for Kendra. She had lost one parent, he did not wish to repeat the past.

It was quite surprising to him that how much love and closeness he felt to all off them suddenly diminished. Even if Damien called him father and spoke about being able to learn much from him Burke was not very inclined to give him any advise. Maybe it was just his own anger in his moment. The male was close to rolling his eyes when Potema started over Malice previous pack. Not caring for Malice, but now she did for this pack? Burke shook his head mentally. The male was quite done with all of them.

Kove's argument didn't do much for him, because they would have staved either way. Same for Nemesis. Burke's eyes became stricter as he stepped back. Badly hurt by all of them, but he was not showing any of that again. He opened up and showed them a piece of his own heart but it hadn't worked, they just bulldozed over him, and if they were going to treat him like that then Burke wasn't going to be very inclined to become close with them again. Cicero spoke, thinking that he wouldn't back down, but he was wrong, they were all wrong about him.

Burke looked at them all. "There is no need for a duel. You all made it clear how you think of me. I am not going to injure myself for a hopeless case," Burke spoke, his face back with his trained mask of stoic-ness. "Do as you like. I am stepping down." He could not be alpha if no one wanted to follow him anymore. Burke still stood protectively for the den, because he was not going to let anyone close to the den. He was still blocking the entrance. He was not planning to anyhow. By the looks of it they already made plans, and Burke was not in power anymore to stop them. He wanted to send them away. The older male held his ground, yet on the inside he was broken. He was disgusted by all their faces. One and a half year of his life, gone, wasted on the wolves that were now standing before him.

I guess last round?