Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Ten

The remaining three months of Minerva's training were not terribly eventful--outside of a new litter of pups from Arrow and Senna, things had appeared to be fully returned to whatever Night Pack called "normal." But winter was coming again, and it filled every dog with a chill much deeper than the wind.

Today, however, it was time for Minerva to receive her full-rank, and she felt like she was ready to face the challenges that this harsh season could bring. She had worked hard for this moment, and she was prepared to defend her packmates with her life from any possible dangers they might face.

"Minerva," Draco said, his voice strong, "it is time to welcome you as a full defender of Night Pack. You have spent the past ten months training to be the best you can be, that you may serve your pack with your whole being. You have worked hard to protect your packmates, and now we welcome you as a fully realized supporter of this pack. Tansy?"

Draco stepped aside so that the dark brown Bulldog could come forward. "Serve your pack well, with honor, dignity, and sacrifice," she said as she touched her nose to Minerva's. "May Siglitun bless you."

Minerva dared to raise her head proudly as the pack began to cheer. She didn't know how much this pack truly cared for her as herself, but they had all fought for her and she would fight for all of them, so that was really all that mattered.

"And we will need your strength," Draco began as the cheers began to fade. Minerva repressed a sigh. It's always at my ceremonies where you have to make speeches.

"Winter is coming upon us once again," Draco continued, "and we have no idea what it may bring. So we must be prepared for anything. We claimed more territory last week to that end, but I know Gabriel will attempt to retake it. We will not allow that. I personally will lead an offensive against him tomorrow morning." He refocused his gaze on Minerva. "Minerva? Will you join the attack party for your first patrol as a full defender?"

Minerva said nothing at first, then slowly dipped her head. "If you want me to come."

"Thank you," Draco said with a slight smile. "Your dedication will serve you well as a defender." He looked back at the rest of the pack and gestured dismissively. "All of you now return to your business. As I said, we have preparations to make."

The pack began to disperse and Minerva turned to see Desert a short distance away. Her gaze was clouded as she looked at Draco, but then she turned to Minerva and started beaming.

Minerva willingly returned her smile. She knew her mother loved her, more than anyone else, even if Minerva didn't always connect with her either. She hoped that Desert never doubted how much she loved her in return. She just didn't always know how to express it.

Desert came close and pressed her head against Minerva's. "All I can say is that I'm so proud of you," she murmured. "Words could never express how much."

"I know," Minerva said in response. She paused for a moment, then said, a little awkwardly, "I love you, Mom."

Desert froze and for a moment Minerva wondered if her timing had been wrong, but she saw the rush of joy in her mother's eyes and realized she'd actually said the exact right thing. Desert pressed against her harder. "Oh, I love you too, sweetheart."

They were silent for a moment and then Desert pulled away. "Are you sure you're going tomorrow?" she asked quietly.

"Draco asked me to," Minerva said.

Desert closed her eyes. "I know. And you know better than to question your alpha, don't you?"

Minerva didn't get a chance to respond before Tinder came bounding up. "Congratulations!" he yipped, his tail whizzing back and forth. "Isn't this exciting? We'll get to see more of each other again!"

"That wasn't exactly what I was looking forward to," Minerva said with a slight smirk. "But I guess it's an added bonus."

Tinder gave her a look of mock-offense and then returned to his previous happy expression. "So what do you want to do to celebrate?"

Before answering, Minerva noticed that Desert was looking intently at where Draco was speaking with Tansy and Pebble. She could guess how her mother felt about the attack Draco was planning, and she could also guess where that would lead. I hope they don't just argue again, she thought before turning back to Tinder. It's exhausting.

~

Desert was actually glad to receive sentry duty that night, because she wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway. She had overheard Draco and Pebble discussing attack plans, and she had an ever-increasing fear that the war was about to ignite all over again. She hadn't said anything to Draco yet, but Jade's words from months before had started to become more and more present in her mind, and as the night wore on she began to build a resolve.

The stars were only just beginning to disappear when Desert heard the sound of dogs beginning to rise. She turned around to see inside the clearing and saw that Draco was the first awake, which was not too surprising. She took a deep breath and approached him.

"Good morning," he said diplomatically. "Any trouble during the night?"

Desert shook her head. "...Draco, can I talk to you? Privately?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Desert, if this is about my plan for today then I don't want to hear it."

"Please?" Desert persisted. "I'm not just going to argue with you, I promise."

Draco glanced to where most of the defenders were sleeping and then grunted. "Fine. But make it quick. I want to be on the eastern border before the sun is up."

Desert pulled him back under the shelter of the overhang, close to the entrance of the healer's cave. "Listen," she began, trying to think of the best way to say what she wanted to say. "We've been at odds with each other for nearly the past year, and it's very obvious by now that we have very different feelings about this conflict."

Draco scoffed. "I suppose that's one way of putting it."

"And if I'm being completely honest," Desert continued, "I can't really understand why you are doing what you're doing. But I understand you. I've known you your entire life, and I know how you respond to loss."

"If you're about to say that I'm doing this out of revenge--" Draco growled, but Desert cut him off.

"No. Let me finish." She closed her eyes. "We don't need to argue about the why anymore than we already have. All I wanted to say is... I don't want you to do this today."

"It's a bit late for that," Draco said. "Not that I would have called it off anyway."

"I know. But I just want you to understand... the only reason I've been fighting you on this is because I want to protect you."

Draco flattened his ears. "I don't need you to protect me. We're not pups anymore, in case you didn't notice."

"The point is that I care about you, you idiot," Desert snapped. "I know when my brother is hurting. And now I'm just asking you to reconsider. You have dogs here who love you and want you safe. We don't need a warrior--we just need a leader. Pride and revenge won't keep us full or keep us warm." She leaned in closer, her eyes wide and beseeching. "Stay. For me. For your pups."

Draco said nothing for several moments, his eyes dark. "It's too late." He turned away.

"Don't go," Desert repeated. "Please."

Draco didn't turn to look back at her. "I'll see you when I get back."