"Things are different back in Stone Hollow Pack. Violence around every corner, in every drop of water," Ella explains, surrounded by the Flame Woods wolves in their camp.

Rascal looks over at Tyrant. The alpha was looking at Ella fondly, happy to see his granddaughter after everything that's happened.

"Violence is here too," Tyrant admits. "Stone Hollow isn't alone."

Ella visibly shudders. Rascal notices the scars she tried to hide under her fur.

"Ella—"

"Skylark did it," the blue-eyed she-wolf interrupted. "His outbursts are getting worse. He can't control himself, not after Destiny's passing."

Rascal winces at her sharp tone. Things must be bad if Ella is acting this way. "When are you going back?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe I will, not until this war is over. It's ruined my Pack, turned them into bloodthirsty monsters."

Rascal shares a glance with Misty, then stares at Tyrant. "She can stay? Right, Tyrant?"

The red wolf is still looking at Ella, painful emotions in his eyes. "Of course. You may leave whenever you feel the need to return to your Pack."

Ella dips her head to Tyrant. "I can't thank you enough for this."

Tyrant nods and strides off to discuss things with Isaac and Blossom.

The crowd splits up. Wolves head back to their usual duties.

Rascal looks at Ella, warmth in his eyes. "I'm glad to see you again. It feels like it's been forever."

"It's been too long," Ella agrees. Her eyes fall on Misty, gaze shining with pain, yet she forces a smile. "You're due any day now, right?"

Misty's entire face brightens. "Yeah. I can hardly wait."

Ella offers a tight smile, lip trembling. "I'm excited for you. You two will do just—just fine."

Rascal rests his tail over her shoulders, giving her his comfort. She leans into the embrace.

"This means you'll be here for the birth of the pups!" Misty gasps and gives a little bounce.

The pain in Ella's face slackens. "It will be wonderful."

Rascal looks between his mate and his sister. "She can stay in our den, right Misty?"

"Oh no, I don't want to be a bother. I'll find a different sleeping arrangement." Ella interrupts.

Rascal stares at her. "If you're alright with that..."

Ella nods.

Misty shrugs, yawning. "I'm gonna lay down. I'm exhausted," her face lifts in a sleepy smile. "Glad to see you, Ella."

She nods to her mate, then Ella, disappearing in their den.

Rascal watches her with worried eyes. "Everything's twice as hard on her. Pups in the middle of war."

Ella shakes her head. "Will it ever end?"

The black wolf glances at her. "Wars don't last forever."

***

"What choice do we have, Thunder? They're threatening our lives! We should take the fight to them!"

"That's suicide! Stop and think for one second, Frost!"

The two Packmates were glaring at each other, fur standing on end.

Isaac stood. Between them. "Enough! If we are to win this battle, we have to cooperate." He have Frost and Thunder and cold-hard glare.

Frost's lips curls, but she doesn't argue. Thunder sniffs and backs up.

Tyrant surveys his gathered wolves. "Thank you, Isaac. We don't have time for stupid fights like this."

Rascal sits between Rose and Saphira, wincing at the tone of his grandfather's voice.

Another Pack meeting. Red Fang Pack has crossed over another boundary line, and killed a deer. On Flame Woods territory.

Everyone was debating on what battle strategy would be best. Some agree with Frost—hit the heart of Red Fang Pack, ambushing their camp. Others agree with Thunder, fight them on the border.

Honestly, Rascal didn't have a preference. He just wanted Red Fang to stop with these useless attempts of provoking a bear.

Tyrant wasn't sure what to do either. His eyes anxiously darted between his Packmates.

Misty was laying in the den. Rascal didn't want any more stress on her already tired shoulders.

"How are they so powerful?" Moondancer asks, standing up. "They seem invincible."

"They for the right moment, then explode in a crazy attack of lightning-like blows," Isaac explains. "I've observed their fighting-style."

"Perhaps if we give them a taste of their own medicine—" Archie starts.

"Then we finally have a chance of beating them," Alusia finishes.

The two young wolves share a flustered look, cheeks heating up.

"They attack low. They always seem to go for the legs," Rascal says.

"We should learn to fight like them," Thorn nods. "It will certainly surprise them. If you ask me, it's worth a try."

Tyrant's face lights up. "Then we'll try it. Tomorrow night, observe what you can of their moves. After the battle is over, we'll share information and practice their way of fighting."

The whole of Flame Woods Pack murmurs agreement.

"Every set of paws will be needed." Tyrant says. "But Misty can't go. She's due to have those pups soon. Someone should stay with her."

"I will," Moondancer speaks right up. "I don't mind. I can watch Blossom's pups and Rose's. Blossom will need to patch and fix wounds out on the battlefield."

Tyrant looks satisfied. "Good. And Ella can help Blossom with the medical care."

The little she-wolf straightens up and nods.

"It's settled then," The alpha concludes.  "We will leave tomorrow night for battle."

The meeting breaks up. And Rascal anxiously fidgets. Like before any other fight, he could feel worries swirling through his mind.

He heads back to his den, ears drooping. His eyes adjust to the dimness. Misty's sleeping form is touched silver by the light filtering in. Her lashes were long and dark. The gorgeous shape of her delicate, yet strong face were perfectly relaxed in contentment.

Rascal's muzzle twitched up in the smallest smile. Misty was beautiful. Inside and out. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have this amazing she-wolf as his mate and the mother of his pups.

He leans down to plant a lick on her cheek. Her face softens with the teeniest smile.

Rascal curls protectively around Misty, placing his tail over hers and resting his chin on her shoulder.

He looks out to see the stars shining against the dark sky. His eyes trace the moon, and he notices the way it seems to be watching over the stars. Like a guardian angel. A protector.

Rascal looks down at Misty's swollen belly with a dreamy smile reaching his lips. "You'll be my stars," he whispered to his unborn pups. "And I'll be your moon."