"Yes, we should head back; Sage might need me for something. He is our leader after all." Talvi smiled at Cedar, her expression both affectionate and respectful. As they walked through the forest, the scent of pine and earth filled the air, and the sounds of animals rustling in their sleep surrounded them. Cedar felt a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before. He knew that Talvi was the reason for it, and he vowed to protect her with his life.

As the pair walk back to the pack, Cedar can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had found his mate, and she had found him. It was fate, destiny, or whatever one wanted to call it. He knew that together, they would face whatever challenges came their way. He was confident in his abilities to protect her, provide for her, and make her happy.

"Where have you been?" A guff, deep voice made them jump. Talvi turned to see Sage, the pack's alpha, standing nearby. His fur was thick and black, reflecting the wisdom and strength that came with his position. His amber eyes locked on to Talvi, studying her closely. "You're late, Talvi." Cedar felt a surge of pride at the way Talvi addressed the leader of their pack.

"Did I miss anything?" Talvi asked respectfully. Sage nodded, his expression softening. "No, you didn't. But it's good to have you back. I trust your talk with Cedar went well." Talvi felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she didn't respond. She knew that Sage was wise and perceptive, and he would understand the significance of their bond.

"Yes, it did very well." She puffed her chest out happily. "Good to hear," Sage replied with a nod.

"I and Talvi are mates now." Cedar chimed in, and he wrapped his arm over his mate's shoulders protectively. He pulled her closer to his warm body, and Sage smiled happily at the new mating pair. He hopes it ends well for the both of them.

"Our patrol just came back with some news. Phoenix saw a rival pack outside of the border; they might be planning something, so we need to keep an eye on them." sage explained.

Cedar's heart dropped to the floor. "Rival pack?" He whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his racing heart. Talvi, sensing his concern, wrapped her tail around his leg, offering him comfort and reassurance. She knew that Cedar was strong, and she believed in him.

"What did Phoenix see? Who did he see?" Cedar asked, his tone serious, and his eyes narrowed with suspicion. Sage sighed, rubbing his muzzle. "It's too early to tell for sure, but Phoenix thinks they might be planning an attack. We need to be prepared. You two, Cedar and Talvi, will be taking over the patrol that was supposed to go out tomorrow. I want you to keep an eye on the border and report back to me if you see anything unusual. Understood?" He explained seriously, looking at Cedar and Talvi in turn.

"Can I speak to Phoenix? He's one of the patrols, isn't he?" Cedar asked, his expression serious. Sage nodded. "Of course, Cedar. You're the new leader of the patrol now. Go ahead and speak with him." He stepped aside, allowing the pair to approach Phoenix.

"Do you know who Phoenix is?" Cedar asks Talvi as they approach Phoenix, the familiar wolf with auburn fur and piercing golden eyes.

Phoenix felt the new wolf approach him, sensing their curiosity. "I am Phoenix, one of the patrol borders in our pack. It's an honor to meet you, Cedar, and Talvi." He dipped his head respectfully toward the pair. "As for the rival pack, I'm afraid I don't know much more than what I've seen. I was patrolling the border when I spotted them, and they seemed to be gathering in force. I couldn't tell you their exact numbers or who their leaders might be."

"We should be careful with the solar flare pack here; we don't know when they are going to attack or what pack they are." Phoenix explained, worry etched into his golden eyes. Cedar nodded, his expression grim. "We will do whatever it takes to protect our pack." He said it firmly, earning a respectful nod from Phoenix.

"In the mean time, We should prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. We don't know if they are just testing our border or if they are planning something big. So we should be careful and stay alert. I'll go with you and Talvi on your patrol tomorrow, just to make sure you two are safe." Phoenix explained, his voice calm and reassuring. Cedar nodded, grateful for his support and protection.

"Thank you, Phoenix. We appreciate your help and support. We'll do whatever it takes to keep our pack safe, and with your experience, I'm confident that we'll be well-prepared for whatever comes our way." Cedar said it gratefully. Talvi nodded in agreement, her amber eyes reflecting her trust in both Cedar and Phoenix.