While Copper Rock never explicitly brought up the idea again to Golden Flower of having her recruit her family to the pack, she could see the idea linger in his eyes every time they trained together and every time they departed for the day. There always appeared to be something Copper Rock wished to say that would never be able to leave his mouth, and Golden Flower was sure she knew what it was.

In the meantime, she did her best to focus on training. Though the idea lingered in her mind, she was resolute that she would not go back to her family and convince them to fight. Confronting them would mean confronting her own naivete and selfishness. She was not quite sure she was ready for that yet.

Though Golden Flower was working her hardest on training, and even though the alphas had taken notice of how well she was performing, it was hard not to think of the rogue threat ahead.

Today was one of those days it was hard to focus on much else. She and Copper Rock had been practicing their battle moves under the heat of the sun. Normally, they would have quit by now, especially with the warm weather, but the pack had caught scent of more rogues nearby, and it was clear an army was gathering. The alphas quietly had predicted a battle when the leaves began to fall. Copper Rock had suggested they train harder and longer, and though Golden Flower's limbs ached, she had no choice but to agree.

"Let's take a break and get some water from the river," Copper Rock suggested. They were both panting and out of breath. For a moment, Golden Flower envied the dog's smoother coat since her thick coat of fur felt like a blanket of fire around her.

She followed Copper Rock down to  the river nearby, though it was more of a stream these days, having dried up from many warm days. She lapped up the cool water and immediately began to feel more refreshed. After she had gotten a drink, Copper Rock suggested they sit in the shade for a little bit.

Golden Flower was content to stare up at the clouds moving across the sky, but Copper Rock seemed to have other ideas.

"About what I said the other day," he began.

Golden Flower was quick to shut him down. "I've already said. My family would never return. Not unless something changed."

Copper Rock was quiet for a moment. "What if there was change?" he asked.

"Not likely," Golden Flower murmured. 

"I'm serious," Copper Rock said. "I've been spending a lot of time with Feather Wings lately."

"Why him?" Golden Flower asked. She knew little about the wolf, besides he was the father of Shining River's annoying pups, despite spending very little time with them. She did know he was smart though and liked practically by the entire pack.

"Feather Wings has always fought for the omegas," Copper Rock explained, "even though privately, perhaps. Before his sisters ended up in the den, he used to visit them and listen to their stories. He's always treated them with kindness."

Golden Flower supposed she had seen the gray wolf visit his sisters a few times, though he always looked quite somber when he left the den. She supposed it was hard on him seeing both of his sisters treated in such a way, though it must've been hard seeing Lily Petal deteriorate over time.

"Our parents were close, so naturally, we've always been close. I want to fight for the dogs, and he wants to fight for the omegas. Our interests align. If we can gather support, we may be influential in changing the alphas' minds," Copper Rock explained. "I'm not saying we talk to them soon. Feather Wings and I still have a lot to discuss, but maybe one day in the future, whether that's after the battle or not, things will change."

Golden Flower's eyes widened. "You think it's possible?!" She couldn't realize how hopeful she was sounding. Her homesickness had become worse with the growing threat of the rogues, and sometimes she forgot that her parents would probably not be thrilled to see her after believing her dead for so long. Still, there was a glimmer of hope stirring within her.

This time, Copper Rock was the one to be pessimistic.

"Maybe...well, that's what we're still trying to figure out. The pack is rooted in tradition, despite the fact we have dogs as alphas."

"What if I talk to them?" Golden Flower suggested suddenly. "Would your parents, or the pack, change their mind if they knew I was half-dog? They've said I've been doing well in training. Maybe I can change their perception."

Copper Rock's eyes widened. "I wouldn't."

Golden Flower frowned.

"I see the logic, but I would rather we change the opinions about dogs and omegas and all that first before you reveal your identity. I worry what will happen to you if the others find out. My parents were, and still are, very serious about that no-mate policy. It would cause a lot of discourse if they found out who you were," Copper Rock explained.

"I get it," Golden Flower said. "But I still don't think it's a good idea to try to find my family. I know they'll say no."

"I know. Let's...not think about this anymore," Copper Rock suggested. "I think maybe we're both being too ambitious. We need to focus on reality, which means sharpening up our battle skills. Break's over."

Golden Flower let out a long groan.

Copper Rock laughed. "I know, sorry, but we really do need to practice some more. Just a little bit longer, and then we can call it a day."

"All right," Golden Flower agreed. As she finished her afternoon practice with Copper Rock, the thought still lingered in her mind about what he had said. She just hoped he and Feather Wings could make a difference somehow.