It was a shell-shocked Wind Pack that stood around the grave where Gabriel was laid the next morning. It was still so hard to believe, Coriander thought. Gabriel had been alpha longer than some of these dogs had been alive. He'd seemed just as much a part of the pack as the meadow was, but now, he was gone, just like that. She supposed that they should have anticipated it, with his declining condition, but she thought that everyone had believed deep down that he would pull through like he always had.

"There is little I can say that we don't already know," said Remiel, seated at the head of the grave. "Gabriel was just as much a father to this pack as he was a leader. He gave everything for us. Every breath, every beat of his heart, it was all for Wind Pack. And in the end... he died the same way as he lived. Giving everything for the pack he loved more than his own life. I..." His voice wavered as his composure began to shake. "I just wish I could've told him how much he meant to all of us."

A respectful silence followed his words until Speedwell spoke up. "He was like a brother to me," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I just... I can't believe he's gone."

The rest of the time passed on largely in silence, except for every now and then when a dog would share a few memories of Gabriel. After a long stretch of no one speaking, Picasso said, "I know none of us want to even think about it... but the Hunter's Moon is tonight. We have to decide who's going to lead us now."

Speedwell nodded slowly. "You're right. Gabriel wouldn't want us to dwell on things. He'd want us to honor his memory by moving on." He sighed. "We have to pick candidates, then. Who do we propose?"

"Well, you're the obvious choice, Speedwell," said Dakota. "You've served us just as faithfully as Gabriel did. You'd be a great alpha."

The pack voiced their agreement, but Speedwell was shaking his head. "I appreciate the faith you all have in me," he said. "But I am not young anymore. This pack deserves someone with the energy to lead them through the trials we are facing. I... I don't think I can be that dog."

He wouldn't listen to any objections, so the pack was forced to consider their other options. Finally, Eleazar spoke up. "Respectfully, Speedwell, I don't think age has anything to do with it. But seeing as you won't accept, I nominate Splash. She had wisdom and experience, which we need."

Other dogs, largely older ones, barked in agreement, and Coriander added her own voice. It was true that Splash wasn't young, but she was still a skilled hunter and had always been a capable leader. She briefly considered the irony that would ensue if she was ultimately elected: Splash would be alpha while her brother, Xander, would still be omega.

Speedwell looked at the collie-cattle dog cross expectantly. "Do you accept the nomination of your packmates, Splash?"

She hesitated for a few moments, then nodded. "I do not think I could ever be as worthy a leader as Gabriel, but if my packmates have faith in me, then I accept it."

"Good." Speedwell gave her a nod and then turned back to the pack. "Do you have any other nominations?"

"I think you're right, Speedwell," said Atlantic after a few moments. "We do need someone younger. I don't mean this disrespectfully to my elders, but it's a fact. Who knows what we're up against with these wolves! I'd rather have an alpha who's best prepared to deal with it, and I think a defender could do that better than a hunter. So I vote for Ranger."

Coriander couldn't suppress a little jolt of shock, and she noticed surprise flicker across Ranger's face as well. He hadn't said a word all morning, and she was honestly afraid of what thoughts might be going through his head. She was surprised by how many dogs agreed with the nomination. Upon Speedwell's question of his acceptance, the collie said lowly, "I accept. I will honor Gabriel's legacy as best as I can."

"We can still pick one more candidate," barked Speedwell. "Do you have any other nominees?"

"I'm of a similar mind to you, Atlantic," Torn spoke up, "but I believe a measure of... caution is necessary." He paused for a moment, as though considering explaining his feelings, then simply said, "I nominate Desmond."

The pack once again voiced its agreement and Speedwell dipped his head. "Very well. These are the dogs which you have chosen to lead you. Tonight we shall see what the other packs say, and then we will decide."

~

That night the pack traveled slower than usual as they made their way into Frost Pack's mountains. Everyone was still processing what had happened, and it made the long walk feel longer than ever. When they finally reached their destination, all the other packs had gathered and looked to be waiting expectantly. The rest of the pack hung back reluctantly while Speedwell walked up to the alphas.

"Speedwell," Martin greeted him. "Where is Gabriel?"

"Gabriel is dead," Ranger snarled suddenly, making Coriander wince. Please don't make things worse than they already are, she begged silently.

Aaron, Storm Pack's alpha, had a grim expression. "The wolves?" he asked.

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

Coriander's heart sank. He blames me. He's never going to forgive me for this.

The alpha of Lake Pack, Cassidy, was looking at Gannon and Aaron, her eyes narrowed. "You don't seem surprised. Have you been attacked as well?"

"Yes," Gannon answered, a low growl rumbling in his throat. "We have not lost anyone, fortunately, but they're scaring off all the prey."

"And now they've killed one of our leaders," Martin sighed.

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

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

Cassidy bowed her head respectfully. "Very well. Who are the candidates?"

Speedwell took a step back and nodded to the dogs they had chosen this morning. "Splash, Desmond, and Ranger." Each dog stepped forward as he spoke their name. "These are dogs you know," he continued. "Dogs you have fought beside and against. Make your choice carefully, and may the wisdom of the Hunter Dog be with you."

Wind Pack sat in silence as the other packs clustered together, discussing their options. Coriander couldn't guess which dog each pack would pick, but she knew with almost complete certainty that Night Pack wouldn't vote for Ranger. There was no way Gannon would want the dog who killed his father to be leader.

One by one, each pack finished and faced forward. "Which dogs do you vote for?" asked Speedwell.

"Earth Pack votes for Desmond," barked Cordan.

"Lake Pack does as well," Cassidy added.

"Frost Pack places its vote for Splash," said Martin.

"Storm Pack's vote is for Ranger," Aaron barked.

"And Night Pack votes for Splash," Gannon said flatly.

"Wind Pack will now make its decision, taking your votes into consideration," Speedwell said, nodding to the alphas.

Wind Pack circled together, except for the candidates themselves, who, naturally, wouldn't have a voice in the discussion. "Well, we have seen what the other packs have chosen," Speedwell said quietly. "Now we must decide, once and for all, who is going to be our alpha."

"I still stand by Splash," Eleazar said. "And it would be a wise decision diplomatically since Night Pack voted for her."

"Since when do we let Night Pack dictate how we make decisions?" growled Skipper. "No. I think Ranger should lead us."

"You want to be led by the dog that got us into this war?" Hannah demanded. "If he hadn't recklessly killed Draco, maybe this whole conflict could have ended years ago!"

"Maybe he did get us into it, but he's also been our greatest asset since then," Dynamite pointed out. "He's probably the best fighter this pack has. I think that, with this new threat, he's the best equipped to lead us."

Coriander saw some dogs scowling, but more of them were nodding in agreement. She remained silent. It was impossible for her to be objective in this situation.

"Remiel?" asked Speedwell. "Has the Hunter Dog given you guidance on this matter?"

"Well... it can be hard to interpret the Hunter Dog's messages sometimes," the preceptor answered slowly. "But... I believe that, given what I have seen... Ranger is who he wants to lead us."

Speedwell dipped his head to Remiel. "I believe there is little discussion left, then. Are they any last objections?"

Outside of a few faint grumbles, no one said anything, so Speedwell turned to face the other packs. "Wind Pack has made its choice," he declared. "Ranger will be our leader."

Some cheers arose from Storm Pack and Wind Pack. Coriander saw something dark flash in Gannon's eyes before he looked away. I hope nothing bad comes about because of this.

Ranger now stepped forward to stand in front of Remiel. "The position of alpha to Wind Pack has been bestowed upon you. Do you accept it?"

"I do," Ranger answered firmly. Underneath the hardness in his eyes Coriander could see a flicker of excitement that made her heart ache; it reminded her of when he was younger, when that joy and energy were always on display. Where had it all gone?

"Then lead, well, strong, and fairly," Remiel concluded. "The grace and blessings of Siglitun be upon you until the end of your time. Who do you choose as beta, to assist you in your leadership?"

After a few moments of thought, Ranger turned to face his fellow candidates. "Desmond, you would have also been a good choice as leader. Will you accept the position of beta?"

Desmond bowed his head. "I would be honored."

Coriander was pleased; she knew Desmond had a good head on his shoulders, and he and Ranger had been friends ever since they were puppies. She prayed that he could help balance out Ranger's aggression.

"Behold, the new alpha and beta of Wind Pack!" barked Remiel, and the gathered dogs began to cheer. It was rather paltry, but Coriander couldn't blame them. She didn't feel like cheering either.

Martin cleared his throat loudly, silencing everyone. "As with all Hunter's Moons when a new leader is chosen, there will be no hunt tonight. I believe, then, that it is time to bid you farewell."

Before he could summon his pack to leave, however, Gannon snarled so suddenly that some dogs jumped. "That's it?!" he spat. "We have been raided by wolves for the past month, like criminals in our own territory, and you have nothing to say?! A dog is dead! It may be easy for you to sit up on this mountain and not care about our problems, Martin, but this isn't something you can just ignore!"

"And what do you suggest we do about this problem?" Martin demanded, glowering back at the Doberman.

"We fight," Gannon answered, baring his teeth.

Aaron gave an incredulous snort. "What do you think we've been doing?!"

"I don't mean just fighting back," Gannon growled. "I mean a full-on battle. We challenge the wolf pack, all six of us against them. A battle to the death--and the winners get to keep the territory."

His words were largely greeted by exclamations of shock and contempt, but Coriander saw some dogs who looked thoughtful, as though they were considering the idea. Martin let out a raspy laugh that sounded like two hollow logs being rubbed together. "Typical Night Pack," he said. "Thinking you can just fight your way through every problem. Ridiculous..."

"Oh, and you have a better idea?" Gannon snapped. "Maybe when it's your packmates blood being spilled in the dirt you'll understand!"

Martin glared at him. "How do you even expect to challenge them?" he demanded. "We don't even know where they live. And how do you know they won't kill a messenger on sight?"

"They seem to consider themselves honorable," Gannon replied. "A peaceful messenger shouldn't arouse them." He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "That isn't important. I want to know if you will fight. This isn't a problem that's just going to go away. Those wolves mean business, and this is the only way we can fight this."

At first, no one said anything, but then Aaron stood up, his head held high. "Storm Pack will fight."

"So will Wind Pack," said Ranger suddenly. Several dogs whipped their heads around to stare at Ranger in surprise. Coriander wasn't sure what shocked her more; the fact that the packs were agreeing on anything or that Ranger was agreeing with Gannon.

Martin heaved a long sigh before saying, "Very well. If there is no other option, Frost Pack will fight."

"I always knew a battle was coming," Cassidy said, her head lowered. "Lake Pack stands with the other packs."

All eyes were now on Earth Pack. "Well, Cordan?" Gannon asked expectantly. "What do you say?"

"I... I cannot decide now," the Norwich Terrier said quietly, his expression troubled. With a small shake of his head, he stood up and barked, "Come, Earth Pack. We're going home."

Coriander overheard some dogs calling derisive remarks after the departing terriers, but they were quickly silenced. Gannon made no comment, simply turning back to the other alphas. "Now all we have to do is pick someone to send the message to Songan."

"Don't look at us," Martin snarled. "This was your elk-brained idea. You send a messenger from your pack."

Before Gannon could make a remark in return, a female Bullmastiff stepped forward from Night Pack's ranks. "I will go," she said. Coriander recalled seeing her before; her face was always devoid of emotion, but she had sensed that there was some sort of pain lurking beneath the surface.

Gannon looked surprised at his packmate's volunteering. "Minerva. Well... all right, if that is what you want."

"As host of this Hunter's Moon, I declare it officially over," Martin said firmly. "Return to your territories and prepare."

As the packs departed, Desmond came up beside Ranger. "Are you certain that was a wise decision?" he asked lowly.

Ranger stared ahead, his eyes hard with resolve. "It's not like we have any other choice. Besides, those wolves need to pay for what they did to Gabriel. We're going to make them regret they ever stepped foot in these lands."