Phoenix and asher's Pov:
Phoenix never thought being a part of the Shadowclan pack would be so exhausting. He knew the risk of dying at such a young wolf-shifter age, but he had no idea how much effort and dedication it would take to prove himself as a warrior. He had always been the smallest and most fragile of his litter, yet he was determined to show everyone that he was just as strong and brave as his siblings.
Being friends with Cedar, Jett, and Talvi had its perks. He had learned a lot from them, and he had grown closer to them as the days passed. They were like family to him, and he would do anything to protect them. Even though they were all in the shadow clan, they were still his friends.
"hey Phoenix! Have you checked the borders yet? They need to be marked again." Asher calls out to him as he runs past, his muscles tense and ready for a fight. Phoenix nods, wiping the sweat from his brow. He knew it was important to keep the borders safe, but he was tired. He hadn't seen a single threat in days.
"No, I haven't, but I saw the solar flare pack earlier today. They seemed to be patrolling around our territory. I think they're just making sure we know they're still here." Phoenix responds, following Asher. He knew that the solar flare pack was a threat to their territory, and they had to be careful. Even though they were friends with some of the wolves in that pack, they could not trust them completely.
"I can't get over the fact Ash would let two solarflare wolves into our pack!" Asher growls, his golden eyes narrowing. Phoenix winces. He knew that Asher is Ash's right-hand man and how they do get fun of each other because their names sound so similar, but he didn't think it was that serious. He was worried that Asher might snap at him any second.
"You think they might be causing a war with us again? We haven't had a war for 200 moons." Phoenix says, trying to calm him down. "And I'm sure Ash knows what he's doing. He's our alpha for a reason."
"Ash was our alpha, remember? Cedar took over after he won the challenge and proved his worth. You should go to him." Asher reminded Phoenix that his tone was less accusatory and more comforting. "He's always willing to listen." Phoenix nodded, grateful for the reminder. He had never questioned Cedar's leadership before, and he didn't want to start now.
Phoenix didn't want to make of it; he had been a part of the shadowclan pack for many moons and admired Asher for his loyalty and leadership, but he was right. He should talk to Cedar. The new alpha had been kind to him and had always been there for him. Phoenix didn't want to betray his trust or cause any trouble.
"What do you think of Cedar? I only have known him for a time; he's fun to be around." Phoenix says that as he followed Asher, the scent of pine trees and freshly turned earth filled his nose. "He's kind, and he always seems to know what to do."
Asher sighed as they walked deeper into the forest. "Cedar is a good alpha. He's fair and wise, unlike some of the others we've had in the past. He's also very strong, both physically and mentally. I trust him with my life. But," he hesitated, "there are times when I wonder if he's too trusting. Like with Jett and Talvi. I know they're his closest friends, but they've been known to stir up trouble before. I just hope they don't do anything to jeopardize our pack's safety."
"He's way too trusting for his own good," Asher murmured, shaking his head. Phoenix knew what he meant. Jett and Talvi were talented warriors and fiercely loyal to the pack, but they could also be reckless at times. They seemed to enjoy pushing boundaries and testing Cedar's limits, even though it could potentially cause harm to the pack.
"He was lucky to win the challenge, and he proved his worth, but it almost killed him. he's strong. I gotta give you that." Asher said, his tone laced with admiration. Phoenix nodded in agreement. They continued walking for a while, their paws padding silently on the soft forest floor.
"We should shift in our human forms; it's safer." Phoenix suggested, wagging his tail. Asher nodded, the motion causing his thick fur to sway. They crouched down and began to shift, their bodies contorting and twisting as their bones elongated and their flesh stretched and changed. In a few moments, they stood before each other as humans. Their clothes, a part of their wolf forms, reappeared on their bodies.
"We should head back now," Phoenix suggested as he looked around the forest. "The others might be worried." Asher nodded in agreement, and they began to walk back towards the center of the pack's territory. As they walked, Phoenix couldn't help but notice the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the forest floor with dancing specks of gold and green. The air was crisp and clean, and he could smell the faint scent of wood smoke drifting on the breeze, carried by the leaves and branches overhead.Their conversation turned to more lighthearted topics as they neared the clearing where the rest of the pack was gathered.
"I don't understand why Ash would let a former solarflare wolf become our alpha. Cedar is too trusting and kind, unlike Ash. He's something else." Asher sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of resentment. "But I guess Cedar knows what he's doing. He's always been one to see the good in everyone, even those who don't deserve it."
Phoenix nodded his head in agreement, knowing all too well how Ash could be. "But Cedar's different. He's the best alpha we could ask for. He's fair, he's wise, and he's always looking out for the pack's best interests." They continued walking, the forest beginning to come into view. "I just hope that Jett and Talvi realize that sometimes their antics can go too far and endanger not only themselves but everyone else here too."
They only hope that Cedar's kind and trusting nature doesn't put the pack in danger near their seemingly bleak future. As they emerged from the forest, the sight of the pack's encampment came into view. Tents of various sizes and colors dotted the landscape, and wolves of all ages and sizes milled about, going about their daily tasks. The scent of cooking meat and smoke hung in the air, mingling with the earthy smell of the forest. In the distance, they could hear the laughter of children playing games and the occasional bark of excitement.
"This should be good," Asher remarked sarcastically as he padded Phoenix on the back. They walked through the encampment, nodding to the other wolves they passed as they made their way towards the center, where Cedar and Jett were deep in conversation. The two brothers seemed to be arguing about something; their expressions were tense and serious. Phoenix couldn't help but feel a knot form in his stomach as he watched them. He hoped whatever it was they were arguing about wouldn't tear the pack apart.
"We need to move now!" Cedar aruged, his voice rising. "We can't afford to wait any longer!" Jett looked unconvinced. "But, Cedar, we're not ready yet. We need more time to prepare."
Cedar growled, frustration evident in his voice. "Jett, we've been through this. The solar flare pack is growing stronger every day, and if we don't act soon, they'll be at our borders. We can't afford to wait any longer for you to be ready. We need to strike now while our forces are still strong." Jett took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "I understand your concerns, Cedar. But I don't want to lead our pack into a disaster. We need to make sure that we are prepared for whatever they throw at us." Cedar explained angrily that he has to act now before his former pack attacks their borders and head camp.
"Solar isn't that stupid! He knows not to attack such a big pack as us."Jett retorted, his voice shaking with anger and frustration. "And even if he does, we're not the same wolves we used to be. We've grown stronger since then. We can handle them," he reassured, but Cedar wasn't convinced.
Phoenix and Asher glared at each other, concern etched on their faces. They knew both Jett and Talvi well, and they knew how headstrong they could be. They both came from two different packs, raised in a pack that valued strength and power above all else. It was a struggle for them to adapt to the more peaceful way of life under Cedar's leadership.
"We are leaving!" Cedar growled; his fangs were baring now. Jett and Talvi looked at each other, realizing the seriousness of the situation. "Cedar, please," Jett pleaded. "We can work this out. We don't have to leave." Cedar took a step back, shaking his head. "No, Jett. You don't understand. This isn't just about you and me. It's about the safety of the entire pack. And I can't risk that any longer. I'm sorry, but you're both out of the leadership council. Talvi, you're hereby demoted from beta to gamma. And Jett, you're stripped of your rank entirely. You'll answer to Phoenix and Asher from now on." The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, the air thick with tension and betrayal. Phoenix looked at Jett, feeling a twinge of pity for his former friend and younger half-brother. He knew how much it must hurt to lose everything he had worked so hard for. But at the same time, he understood why Cedar had to make these decisions. The pack's safety was paramount.
"What have you done?" Talvi muttered under her breath. She may be Cedar's mate, but he was still in charge as Alpha; he calls the shots and has the final word. She felt her heart breaking for Jett and herself; she never thought it would come to this; she never thought she would lose her rank and position in the pack.
"Making you alpha was a mistake! You're too trusting and kind to lead." Asher chimed in, his voice harsh and accusatory. "We don't know when Solar is going to attack yet! We haven't got much proof to back up your claims. Ash should still be alpha!" Jett and Talvi looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief and betrayal. This was not how they had expected their packmates to react. They had thought they were stronger together and that their bond would withstand anything. But it seemed that even their closest allies had turned against them.
"So be it!" Cedar growled, his voice firm and final. "You have made your choice." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Jett and Talvi alone in the clearing, surrounded by pack members who had chosen to side with Cedar. Phoenix and Asher looked at them, their expressions a mixture of pity and resignation. They knew that the two former beta wolves were now outcasts in their own pack.