Hi all. I realize it's been nearly 5 months since the last update. It's been a very busy past few months for me. It's no surprise I think at this point that this book is not a priority of mine, and quite honestly, if this weren't the last book in the series, I probably would've given up on this book long ago as I've matured past writing this series. However, I still really want to finish this book despite how long it's taking me, and since I'm starting a full time job in a month, I would love to get this done by mid-September. So no, I won't be giving up on this book for those who feared I had, and I hope to get it done in the next month; however, no guarantees it will be completed that quickly.

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Stormy Sky let out a sigh as he poked his head out of the den. His punishment had been decided that firstly, he and Strong Boulder would be separated, meaning that Stormy Sky would have to stay alone in the den that was formerly housing the returned pack members, and that he would was only allowed out to train. It annoyed him, though at the same time, Stormy Sky was allowed visitors at least and often wasn't left alone long.

As he sulked, a shadow cast over his vision. Stormy Sky glanced up, looking into the eyes of Golden Flower.

"Oh. Hey."

"Hi," she said. She paused for a moment, then let out a sigh and took a seat next to him. "I heard about your punishment. I'm sorry."

"It doesn't matter. I guess Strong Boulder got what he wanted. I'm not in the den anymore."

"No. Don't say that," Golden Flower said. "You know he's just jealous. I know what his family dynamic was like. It wasn't the same as yours. He just wants what you have."

"I know," Stormy Sky said. "It just sucks. I had just come to this pack and started training, and I'm already in trouble."

"Things will work out soon. Especially when we talk to the alphas about allowing everyone to integrate into the pack. You'll see," Golden Flower said.

Stormy Sky smiled slightly.

"What?" Golden Flower asked. "Why are you smiling?"

"Nothing. You just know how to cheer a wolf up, that's all," Stormy Sky responded.

"O-Oh," she said, looking away suddenly. "Um, how is training going?"

"All right. What about you?"

"I just spoke with the alphas this morning, actually. They're going to make me an official member of the pack tomorrow," she explained.

"Wow! So soon?"

"Well, I've been training much longer than you," she teased. 

Stormy Sky should've known that already judging by the way she was still larger than him. His mother had warned him that a growth spurt would be imminent given his father's genes. It was always funny hearing stories from Gentle Breeze about how small Feather Wings had been as a pup. Stormy Sky was glad he could witness his father's large stature in person nowadays rather than relying on his imagination to conjure up an image.

"I'll miss you in the den," Stormy Sky admitted. "There haven't been many wolves that have been that kind to me since coming here, so thank you."

Golden Flower appeared flustered. "Oh, well, I was welcomed kindly. Before everyone found out about my parents, anyway. It's only fair that I treat other new wolves the same."

Stormy Sky smiled, then sighed. "Do you really think we can treat the alphas to overlook everything that's happened?"

"I hope so. I have to hope so. We've all been training so hard. The alphas will have to see that rank and blood doesn't matter. What matters is our allegiance to the pack," Golden Flower said. "Copper Rock was already telling me how he wanted to word it when he goes to speak to his parents. And I keep recruiting more wolves every day. So once we win this battle, they'll have to take it into consideration."

"Golden Flower, come hunting with us!" Stormy Sky heard Hazel Branch call her to her daughter.

"Sorry. I have to go, but it was nice speaking to you," she said before heading off with them.

"See you," Stormy Sky said as she walked away.

As she left, another wolf approached and paused by the den entrance. Stormy Sky smiled up at his mother. She stretched her limbs, an act she normally did after taking a long nap.

She leaned down toward her son's ear. "Does someone have a little crush?" Gentle Breeze asked quietly, making Stormy Sky think that she had been secretly watching the whole time.

"Shut up!" Stormy Sky complained, though he couldn't help but smile as his mother giggled.

"You can't hide anything from me. I'm your mother, you know," she teased, licking his ear. She glanced down at him and frowned. "I'm sorry you still have to stay here. I know you want to be back at the den with your friends."

"It's okay," Stormy Sky lied. 

"It'll end soon enough," she promised. 

Suddenly, Stormy Sky felt guilty for ever complaining to her about the punishment. Hadn't this been what she was living through as well? He knew there were times she had lived all alone in the omega den, and he bet that she wasn't enjoying the sounds of Lily Petal screaming at the same hours every day, yet it was the only place she was allowed to call home. He suddenly wished that the battle would come even sooner so he and Golden Flower could talk to the alphas even more quickly about removing the omega title altogether.

"Dad doesn't visit me," Stormy Sky suddenly mentioned to her. That day he had gotten into the fight with Strong Boulder, Feather Wings had given him a long lecture about how disappointed he was and how he had hoped Stormy Sky knew better not to pick fights with other packmates. Since then, his father only ever gave a quick greeting but wouldn't stop around to chat.

"He doesn't want to escalate anything between you and Strong Boulder," Gentle Breeze assured him. 

"So he's ignoring both of us?" Stormy Sky complained.

"No. Please don't sulk. We're all busy training and prepping for the battle. That's kept him busy as well. Don't be mad at your father. He loves you very much, and you know that. He doesn't want to see you get in more trouble, that's all," Gentle Breeze assured him. "So...will you promise once your punishment ends to try to get along better? I know what it's like, being called names and insulted. I just had to learn to accept it with grace."

You shouldn't have had to, Stormy Sky thought.

"I promise," he said at last.

"That's good," she said, licking his cheek. "I'll come visit again tomorrow. I'm only allowed out of the omega den so often, you know? See you."

Stormy Sky smiled at his mother as she left, hoping that when all was said and done, she would no longer be living in the omega den and would be happily living among him and his father.