Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Gannon had not been pleased when Minerva had reported to him, but he was not surprised. She had noticed a look in his eye, the look he got when he had an idea and was very seriously considering. She didn't know what the idea was and ultimately she didn't care. If she had a part to play in it then she would know when the time came.

Sporadic wolf attacks continued over the course of the month, but the defenders were usually able to deal with them. However, their real consequence was in how they were affecting the hunting. And Night Pack had a rather sensitive history with the land they hunted on.

The look in Gannon's eyes only got stronger until the night of the Hunter's Moon, which was taking place up in Frost Pack's mountains. He selected Minerva to go, although she wasn't entirely sure why. She had no desire to interact with the other packs, so why not pick a dog who did?

Regardless, she followed the rest of the pack up the mountain and everyone was arriving as usual until she noticed that Wind Pack was unusually late. She guessed that many of her packmates would have been just as happy to start the Hunt without them, but eventually a Frost-dog stood up and announced their arrival.

Speedwell, the pack beta, came up to greet the alphas, notably unaccompanied by Gabriel. His eyes were sunken and his tail hung low with weariness. "Speedwell," Martin greeted him. "Where is Gabriel?"

Before Speedwell could respond, a young collie pushed his way to the front. Many of the Night-dogs stiffened. Minerva recognized him--Ranger, the same dog who had killed Draco years ago.

"Gabriel is dead," he snarled.

I guess Wind Pack had less luck with the wolves, Minerva thought. Her packmates appeared to be thinking similar thoughts, and Storm Pack did not look surprised either. "The wolves?" asked Aaron.

Ranger nodded. "They attacked us a few weeks ago. Our healers... tried, but they were unable to save him. He died yesterday."

Cassidy, Lake Pack's alpha, was looking intently at Aaron and Gannon. "You don't seem surprised," she said. "Have you been attacked as well?"

Gannon growled. "Yes. We have not lost anyone, fortunately, but they're scaring off all the prey."

"And now they've killed one of our leaders," Martin said with a sigh.

"You know what we have to do now," Cassidy continued. "We have to vote on Wind Pack's new leader. Have you chosen candidates?"

"Yes, the eligible dogs have been chosen," answered Speedwell. "I am not one of them. Wind Pack needs a younger leader."

"Very well," Cassidy said with a nod. "Who are the candidates?"

Speedwell presented the three chosen dogs: the first was Splash, an older cattle dog-collie mix, the second was Desmond, a Bearded Collie who Minerva remembered fighting before, and the last was none other than Ranger. She saw some of her packmates' pelts rippling in response to this nomination.

"These are dogs you know," Speedwell said after he had finished. "Dogs you have fought beside and against. Make your choice carefully, and may the wisdom of the Hunter Dog be with you."

The packs broke for the voting and Gannon immediately said, "Part of this decision is easy. I would never vote for that murderer."

Desert closed her eyes and looked like she was considering saying something, but she ultimately did not. "Who are you proposing, then?" was all she asked.

Gannon furrowed his brow thoughtfully. "I think it should be Splash," said Cypress before he could answer. "She's old, and she's a hunter. That gives us an advantage."