Xandra

And so, did Rozarck entwine with Cecilia, effectively planting roots into mountainous soil. In the months that followed, two unassuming pups were eased into the lands, though perhaps their presence cemented the Ivory River's place as an organized pack. For they were the first litter of many, and the first generation out of many to come.

But such a blessing would soon be challenged.

The eldest, Joscol, would depart with the winter's wind, disappearing into a white nothingness. The youngest, Xandra, remained weakened all the same, But, like her father and the resemblance she carried, fight she would. And upward into adulthood she soared, going so far as to prove herself in the Hunting Party.

A creeping pressure began to gnaw at her neck however. Though not commanded by her father, the expectation of continuing the alpha's bloodline plagued her more and more with each passing day. Thus, did she find herself sneaking off on usual hunts, attempting to find and tangle with studs a plenty. Surely such instances would bless her eventually. And surely the phantom biting against her nape would stop...

Yes. Though inadvertently forced, she would miraculously birth a most handsome heir: Maverick. She found herself deeply in love, cherishing him and gazing on with pride at how the pack marveled. For surely he would bring prosperity. Surely the line would continue evermore beneath his charm.

Continue it did, what with many pups born beneath his adventuring. But too soon was stolen, the gorgeous stud stricken by unexpected sickness, and death to shortly follow. Such a loss opened a hole in his mother's form, her nape opening in a screaming wound. For pregnant was she again, and gone was her most beautiful son.

It seemed the universe tried to pity her then. Blessings were bestowed, what with some of her granddaughters being found and returned, and Hanish's birth being nigh painless. But the loss of Maverick haunted her evermore. The ice eyes of her loved son remained burned for the foreseeable future...