that belonged to the humans. The dog was running towards Achak in a vicious frenzy. The wolf didn't have time for such useless matters, so he ran towards the dog and bit it's neck, not to kill it, but to frighten it away. The dog ran away, and Achak went to Kiona's aid as fast as he could. She was getting up slowly, and Achak pushed her to go quickly, which she did. There were a few more gunshots before the two ran into the woods and kept running; the pack trailed close behind them. They ran far away as fast as they could until Achak felt they were safe.

As soon as they slowed down, Kiona collapsed in the snow. A few wolves gasped seeing her fall and Achak went straight to her side. He couldn't tell if she was bleeding through her red fur, but he didn't smell any blood, so she could not have been shot. She must have just collapsed from exhaustion and lack of food.

He sighed, relieved that she had not been shot. He turned to Kanook and asked him to keep the pack settled until he returned. He asked Ayashi to tend to Kiona to make sure she was ok. Achak ran into the woods to find some food for Kiona, which she needed desperately. She would only be able to last so long without food and she already went a few days as is. He sniffed the area for a few moments until he tracked the scent of a hare. He followed it carefully until he found the animal and chased it. The rabbit almost made it completely into its burrow, but Achak manages to snag it by the leg and kill it. Like most wolves he felt no shame in killing, especially if it was to aid another. Achak ran back to his pack and dropped the rabbit in front of Kiona in hopes that she'd eat.

He asked his sister if she stirred at all while he was hunting, and Ayashi said she did, wanting to accompany him, but she couldn't. He couldn't help but smile inwardly at that, but the loud tearing of flesh, fortunately for him, distracted his thoughts. Kiona was awake and eating the hare, hungrier than ever. It was then when Kanook approached Achak and wished to speak with him privately.

"What is it, Uncle?" Achak asked.

"Dartanion had some news for us," he stated, feeling rather concerned about the situation.

"You mean besides the humans' location?"

Kanook rolled his eyes at his nephew's failed attempt at a joke and smirked. "Yes, besides that. He didn't want to burden you with more trouble, but we both knew it was best if we told you right away." Achak listened, knowing that this must have been important. "Kita's whereabouts are known. Seems she's joined a neighboring pack."

"Oh...really. Well, that's good for her, then," Achak replied, a bit confused at the "urgent" news presented to him. He did wonder where she had gone, but fortunately ot unfortunately she was the least of his worries.

Kanook continued. "Does the name Nayati sound familiar to you?"

The alpha blinked at the name. He remembered it all too well. When he was young he fought with a wolf named Nayati, who wanted to do harm unto him and his siblings. Back then Achak did not take it and managed to fight him off, but now his name returned to him for a reason. He nodded in response.

"Well, Kita joined his pack. It seems now he's the leader of the neighboring pack."

"Hmm...and what was the news you had for me that you had to tell me 'right away'?"

"Nayati killed Faolan, the scout Dartanion was partnered with." Achak growled in utter rage. Why would he do such a terrible thing?! Kanook continued. "The two were ambushed by him and a few other wolves including Kita, which was why Dartanion was late returning to us with the news on the humans." The older wolf took a deep breath. "He said he's planning on taking your territory and your pack by killing you."