"I was a young wolf, around your age. I was a member of this Pack, hunting and protecting our territory from rival Packs. As easy as this seemed, I was the runt of the litter. My parents didn't want to be the birth-givers of a smaller and weaker wolf like me. Thankfully, I was able survive puphood, and once I grew up, I was able to work hard enough to gain some muscle. However, as proud as I was, I quickly realized that I wasn't like the other wolves. I became one of those wolves who believed that life was too short to be working all day for someone who didn't even a give a possum's tail about me," Alberta began.

All of the she-wolves had formed a U-shape around the she-Cripp. The three adults were behind the three pups, who were lying on the ground, enjoying this story time.

"One early winter night, I remember standing on a large boulder, staring off into the starry sky. The half-moon had just risen, creating a soft light on the fresh white snow. I thought to myself, 'I want to be loved.'"

"At that moment, I could feel my emotions taking over. Cautiously and carefully, I stepped off of the boulder, took one last look at the entrance to the Pack cave, and sprinted away. I left everything behind, but I didn't care. I had my sense of adventure to take along with me."

Dawn remembered the feeling she had that first morning she meant Raven. Alone in the woods... Her adrenaline rushing through her body... The sense of freedom. Was she feeling what her mother felt that night?

"I ran for hours, the fiery desire inside me keeping my spirit ablaze. Soon, the night was coming to an end, so I took a break and fell asleep in an empty human crop field, coated in a layer of frost. By the time I woke up again, it was halfway to sunhigh. I was beginning to become hungry, food and water now becoming my main priority. I kept trekking, hoping that eventually, I'd find something to fill my belly. Soon, it was nearing sundown and there was no sign of prey or anything. That's when my prayers were answered... I stumbled across a forest. I'd later find out that I was in River territory.

"I quickly realized that where there was a forest, there were animals to be hunted. And where there were animals to be hunted, there was water nearby. I was able to spot a few rabbits, but they seemed to spot me first, and dashed away before I could catch them. I was, however, able to find the river, and trust me, the taste of nearly-frozen river water never felt so good."

Dawn, Summer, and Star let out small chuckles along with Alberta.

"Grandma is a really good storyteller!" Dawn heard Jinx whisper to Nova.

Nova nodded in agreement.

"I was able to cross the river easily, with all of the winter ice acting as a bridge. I had more luck on the opposite side. I managed to find a couple rabbits, thankfully, and one filled belly later, I found a snowless spot under a tree and drifted off to sleep.

"The next morning I woke up to find a pair of wolves staring at me. One had cream-colored fur and striking blue eyes, while the other had dark brown fur and large, dark eyes. Both had feathered wings and confused looks on their face. It was quite amusing, actually. Anyways, I remember their exact words..."

Alberta cleared her throat and lower her tone to mimic the voices.

"'Is she a Cripp?'

"'I thought they were just myths!'

"'Should we tell Head Elder Crane about this?'

"'I... don't think we should. What if he wants to hurt her?'

"'Why do you care? She's a Cripp! She could be dangerous!'"

"'She's dangerously lovely is what she is...'"

"I remember blushing. I told them thanks, causing them both to jump in fear. I giggled and promised I wouldn't hurt them.

"The cream-colored wolf then motioned me to get up. He introduced himself and his friend as... Rustle and Bramble."

Summer growled at the sound of the pair of names. "Of all the wolves you could've met out of the entire Hawk Pack, it had to be our arch enemy and his next-in-command?"

"Apparently, yes. Anyway, they told me to follow them, and that they would take me somewhere safe. Of course, I stood up and they led the way.

"It was the biggest mistake of my life."

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A/N: CLIFFHANGER! Dun dun DUN!