Rascal's eyes stretched wide as he entered the home of his pup-hood and early adulthood. The stone walls of the camp glimmered in the evening dusk. The caves lining the clearing were padded and insulated with elk pelts.

The bare branches in the trees rattled and groaned in the frigid wind. Heavy clouds still dotted the sky, even though the rain from earlier was gone.

Skylark went into his parents' den and returned a moment later with them at his heels. Howler acknowledged Rascal with a blunt nod then settled down with his mate and son on either side of him.

"What do you want?" Howler's voice was steady, but Rascal saw the icy hate burn deeply in his eyes. The Pack leader's fur was bristling, standing on end. Annoyance and hate swept heavily from him.

Before he could reply, Destiny stood and growled. "Why is that Flame Woods she-wolf with you?"

Misty's eyes flared angrily, but she calmly stepped to Rascal's side. "We're here to help you."

Howler looked annoyed, and very cross. "Why?" He demanded.

"Mortals have been invading our territory more and more every week." She explained.

"What's that got to do with us?" Boulder snapped his burning glare on Misty.

"They're reaching deeper into the land, almost hitting the heart of it," Misty's muscles were tense. "And that means if they are already hitting our territory, they'll go after yours next, continuing to expand their forces."

"Are you questioning our strength?" Destiny's lip twitched with the beginning of a snarl. "We can handle anything on our own!" She insisted dryly.

"But this is bigger than anything we've ever seen," Misty stood tall and leveled her gaze with Destiny's. "They have Thunder-sticks, and hunting dogs, and other terrible things I'm sure we haven't seen yet!" She met each wolf's eyes around the camp. "They are a threat that won't go away unless we come together to take them down. If one Pack faces them alone, they're doomed."

Silence hung in the air like fog. Wolves exchanged nervous glances and whispered to each other suspiciously.

"Why should we believe you?" Skylark strode forward until he was nose-to-nose with Misty.

"You don't have to. We're here only to warn you." Rascal replied evenly.

"I suspect it's a trick so they can take our territory." Boulder thrust his way to the front and glared at Rascal and Misty.

"Well, it's not," Misty narrowed her eyes. She walked forward until she stood before Howler. "I know our Packs have a bad history but are you really going to let this happen? What if the Mortals make it to your camp? You'll lose prey, your home, and perhaps even your lives."

Howler looked thoughtful as he stared down at Misty; who was standing rigid with her tail up. The Stone Hollow wolves anxiously shoved their ears forward, waiting for an answer.

Howler glanced at Destiny, Skylark, Boulder, Stone, Buck, and Jade; the highest ranks of the Pack. "We'll take time to decide. I shall give you our answer tomorrow at dawn," He flicked his tail and the high-ranks followed him to his den for a meeting.

Rascal shared a nervous glance with Misty. What if Howler decides he doesn't need help and throws us out? If he joins and tries to take over, what if he leads us into disaster?

Rascal pushed his negative thoughts to the back of his mind. He shouldn't think like this. Although he wanted to be prepared. After all, it was his idea to unite the Packs for one battle.

All of his thoughts faded as Ella approached him. Her blue eyes were like a clear sky in the middle of summer.

"I didn't properly get to say hello to you."

"Nor did I," He pushed his muzzle into her fur, inhaling the familiar scent of his sister. "It's so good to see you again."

"Yes, it's been too long." Ella closed her eyes as if it were a dream come true to see her brother again.

"I wanted to come to get you sooner, but it would've been hard to slip away without anyone watching." His eyes filled with regret. "I'm so sorry I couldn't–"

Ella flicked her tail for silence. She opened her eyes, and that intense stare pierced Rascal's heart. He missed her more than words could explain. "Don't say you couldn't, Rascal. I was patient. I wasn't worried. My faith in you is what helped me put up with everyone here." She took in a deep breath. "Be positive and stop thinking about the negative things in life. That kind of attitude will get you nowhere because life isn't fair."

She's right.

Rascal looked at her earnestly. Thinking or saying those things will get him nowhere. Ella always thought of the positive, even in difficult situations.

Why can't I be more like her?

Their eyes met. Rascal was overwhelmed to finally be with his sister. Her sweet scent overpowered everything else. She leaned and rested her muzzle on his shoulder.

"Are you happy here, Ella?" Rascal couldn't help blurting the words out.

"What do you mean?" She curiously gazed up at him.

Rascal inwardly growled. His own words hit him like a bullet. Why would he ask that? What's it supposed to mean?

He quickly came up with another question. "Has Skylark been giving you trouble?"

Ella shifted her paws and averted her eyes. "Of course not."

Why is she acting so strange? He thought. Sure, Ella's a shy wolf, but Rascal sensed something was wrong.

Then it struck him.

"Do you care about Skylark?"

She flinched, avoiding her brother's eyes. For a split second, her eyes flicked over to where the alpha's son had disappeared into.

Frustration built up in Rascal. He's never been so excited to see his sister. But was all of his time wasted? He'd come too far to help her pack, and for what? To hear that she's in love with an unfair heartless wolf?

Ella's eyes glimmered with tears. "I'm so sorry, Rascal," She whispered. "I just can't help it."

Anger flared in his eyes. "What about the way he treated me? And got me exiled? Or the way he acted when our mother died? Is that love?" He felt his voice crack and he had to look away. Tears blurred his vision.

"No," Ella sighed and shook her head helplessly. "You're right. But Skylark needs somebody to love him, and show him how to live without so much hate." She clenched her jaw and faced Rascal confidently. "I'm sure when you first met Misty, she acted like you were lower than dirt. Look at her now. She's the wolf she is now, because of you!"

Rascal tensed and felt his fur heat with embarrassment. When he'd encountered Misty for the first time, she was a violent stranger with a wall built around her heart. Now, she shows more compassion for the ones she cares about most and opened her heart of her terrible past.

Rascal glanced over to Misty. She was being watched by two Stone Hollow Pack wolves. Their ears were pricked and eyes narrowed in anticipation, expecting her to attack.

"Now you know how I feel. Is it so wrong that I want to reach out and help him?" The she-wolf's voice was barely above a whisper. The strength behind her words melted Rascal's heart. She was a sweet wolf with good intentions to help those in need.

Rascal sighed, defeated, closing his eyes. "No. But Ella, I care about you too. I want you to be happy and safe. Do you really think could really find happiness in someone like Skylark?"

"That is not a question I can answer at the moment."

"So you're willing to give up everything? Even if you don't seem happy? Just to make him feel better about himself?" Rascal's eyes widened, rage bubbling up quickly. "Is that the life you want?"

Ella streamed a few tears, eyes bright with determination. "It'll make me feel good. I want to help light his path."

Rascal stared at his paws. Even if he uses your friendship later on in life to betray you? He couldn't believe what she was saying. Skylark didn't care about anyone except himself. Ella was a kind heart. She needed the respect she deserved. Those two can't be together, right?

"Does he love you?" Rascal muttered.

"He hasn't acted like he cares about me. Especially after you left. I guess he just used that to get under your skin," Ella scraped a paw over the ground. "I've offered to do certain tasks for him, and he accepts my will. I'm taking it step by step."

Rascal snapped his head up. "He doesn't care about you, Ella. He's just using you! So he can have the best-looking pups in the Pack, and make me feel like dirt!" He stood, breathless, watching his sister's face carefully.

"This is my life, Rascal." Her dangerously low voice made him flinch. "If I think he's going to hurt me, I won't talk to him again. But please, give him–us–a chance."

Rascal clicked his teeth together and glared in the direction of Howler's den; where the wolf his sister had eyes for, was sitting. But deep down, he knew everyone deserved a second chance. He was given one when he encountered Stone Hollow Pack. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he didn't let Ella try.

"Fine. But if he mistreats you, I want to know about it." He flicked his tail and stalked off before she could protest.

He plopped beside Misty. Her face was heavy with concern. She didn't have to ask Rascal what was wrong, the emotion on her face was enough.

"It's Ella." He stared at the ground. "She loves Skylark. And I can't make her see what a danger it'd be if she decided to be his mate."

Misty didn't answer right away. She looked thoughtful, staring into the trees.

Does she disagree with me? He fidgeted helplessly. Confiding in Misty always made him feel better about his problems. She always understood. But will she this time?

He felt a soft touch on his paw. He glanced up. Misty placed her smaller paw over his. They locked gazes, like in a trance.

"I understand both sides of the situation. On one paw, you don't want your sister to get hurt and heartbroken, because you love her. On Ella's side, she feels the desire to help others. No matter how cruel they may be, her heart is telling her to do the right thing. I agree with both of you." She gave him a gentle smile. "But you must remember; she's not a pup anymore, and neither are you. You're both grown wolves destined for different paths. You can't always make her decisions."

Misty twined her tail with his and closed her eyes, sitting with her fur brushing his. Her words calmed him, made him feel safe as if no danger or problems ever existed.

Rascal rested his muzzle on top of her head. Their different colored pelts mixed like night and day.

He glanced up to see Ella sitting a ways off. She caught his stare and looked straight into his eyes. Was that jealousy?

Then he realized what a fool he was being. He acted like Ella wouldn't be allowed to have an interest in someone, when he had an interest right in front of her.

He opened his mouth to speak, but she abruptly turned and sat outside Howler's den, waiting for Skylark to emerge.

Rascal tensed as if he was about to say something offensive, but Misty lay her tail across his back. Being signaled to say no more, he grunted and averted his eyes.

He was relieved to have Misty there to keep him calm. He had almost mouthed off to his sister. Just for being in love? Rascal's bristling fur lay flat.

It's no use. He thought. Getting angry won't solve my problems.

A force from behind sent him lurching sideways into Misty, falling into the mud beside her.

He rolled over to see three Stone Hollow Pack wolves glaring down at them viciously.

A light gray female stepped closer to them. "Howler has ordered us that you and your little friend go to the prison cave." It was Stream.

Rascal stared at the three speechless. It's taken Howler this long to lock us up? What a pity.

"Well?" The dark gray male, Onyx, growled. "Get to your paws! Now!"

If you wanted us to stand, then why did you knock us over?

Rascal gathered his legs and drew up. Misty rose as well. The wolves surrounded them. With Stream in the lead, they made way for the prison cave. It was a rickety old thing. The roof was dented in on certain places. It smelled rotten and was gross and dirty. Dark and gloom met Rascal's vision. A blast of cold air smacked them in the face as they entered, and went deeper.

Rascal glanced around as they approached a small clearing. There wasn't much room. About four full-grown wolves could fit into the tiny space. Little drops of water stuck to the ceiling and walls and dripped eerily.

Onyx and the other male Dakota shoved Rascal and Misty further in. Rascal spun and watched as Stream stepped back.

"Don't think about trying to escape." She spat. "I'll have guards on watch. And if they catch you trying to sneak about, they'll shred you to bits!"

With that, she signaled to Onyx and Dakota, and they disappeared into the dark tunnel.

Snorting, Misty sat down in a corner. Mud streaked her white coat. Splatters of it dotted her backside. Though her front was still dripping heavily with mud.

Rascal noticed how slushy and dirty it was down here. He could feel the mud sucking at his paws, dragging him down. It was over his head and shoulders. His head no longer black, but brown. His green eyes stood out against his dirty face.

He sighed and cuddled closer to Misty. Despite being cold, wet, muddy, and hungry, he couldn't have been happier, knowing that Misty was at his side.