Twilight ||| Oneus

~~7~~

The new sense of responsibility as their pack leader was something Youngjo was growing used to effortlessly, or so it seemed.

Youngjo had trained his entire life to someday become a Pack Alpha, and being the son of a successful pack leader granted him natural-born leadership abilities. It was in his blood. So when the tiny pack of four decided amongst themselves that he should lead the pack, it only seemed fitting. It felt right, and he was honored.

But leading this pack was still much different than what he had trained for within the Blood Moon pack. Blood Moon was harsh and had over one hundred devoted wolves, but he honestly preferred the intimacy of their smaller pack better.

He can recall numerous times when his father couldn't even remember the names of some of their guards, people that worked faithfully for their clan for many years, and the old alpha couldn't even simply name them. Youngjo didn't want to lead like that.

He hoped that no matter how large or how small this pack came to be, that he would always be mindful and grateful for each member. He hopes to be kind, considerate, open minded, patient, and wise.

As far as he knows, he's doing a decent enough job. None of the others have vocalized anything different yet.

Leedo and Keonhee appear to trust and respect him a lot. They are both very good about asking Youngjo's opinions on anything to do with their pack or their camp.

Like how Keonhee always asks before planting more crops or growing something different. Or how Leedo will ask for his opinion on a new hunting strategy he's come up with.

Unlike the Blood Moon pack, Youngjo believes that their pack will strive due to their collaborative efforts. He's open to Leedo and Keonhee's ideas, and even Hwanwoong has pitched in his thoughts here and there.

Youngjo is also someone everyone can come to for advice... most of the time.

One early morning, when the sky was still painted a deep blue and the air still left a lingering chill on the skin, Youngjo and Leedo prepared for a hunt. Like most mornings, it was peaceful. A few birds chirped off in the distance, and cicadas still buzzed, but other than that, it was silent.

The two alphas rarely spoke while stretching their limbs before they set off, but today, Leedo seemed particularly quiet. He was a quiet alpha naturally, but this morning he almost seemed down.

Youngjo watched as the coffee-colored wolf kept his snout toward the ground, avoiding any eye contact with the older. That was especially odd for Leedo.

Luckily, the two alphas didn't need to communicate much, to understand the other's next moves. They hunt together enough that they seem to know what even a simple change in posture could mean.

The two wait on opposite sides of a small clearing in the woods, waiting for something to approach and strike down. It didn't take long for a lone doe to casually stride into the clearing, bending down to munch on some tall grass.

Youngjo shifted into the position to attack, gearing back on his legs before he pounced, but he had to wait for Leedo's attack first.

Between the two, Leedo always made the first move, catching the deer off guard by nipping at its back legs before Youngjo made the final blow to the neck. This was their most successful strategy.

But for some reason, today was not their best day. Leedo hesitated a second too long, and the doe became alerted that it was not alone. She started to sprint off towards the thick trees in front of her. That was when Leedo finally charged forward, barely latching onto one of her hind legs and clawing at her back, dragging her to the ground.