Swiftcurrent Creek nothing is as it has been

As quickly as Ruenna began to detach, Kavik was reeling her back in with a heartfelt apology. She allowed him to draw her eyes back up, and their shared gaze was brimming with heartbreak and honesty and love. They were family, Rue realized in that moment. No matter how much distance or disappointment streched between them, they would always be bonded by their shared roots in Blacktail Deer Plateau. 

"Yes, you are," Rue agreed encouragingly, offering one of her rare, small smiles. "Once these wolves see that, they will follow you." Of this Rue had no doubt, but the catch was that Kavik had to let them see his fight, his heart, his resolve. If Kavik hid his secrets and struggles away from the eyes of his new packmates, he would only widen the divide between the Plateau refugees and the other Swiftcurrent wolves.

Rue knew that the quickest way Kavik could earn the trust of his packmates would be to ask them for help. Such an approach would likely go against Kavik's instincts, but it would show his subordinates that he recognized and valued their unique skills and individual achievements. "Once your walls come down, theirs will as well," Rue promised. It would be her final advice to her former alpha as his subordinate... but she hoped, perhaps, it would not be the last of the counsel the two of them shared as friends. As family.