Arnica

Arnica is an unusual figure within the pack. His role is somewhat unconventional, as he lacks the typical strength and authority of other males in similar positions. Instead, Arnica's contributions come in the form of herbal knowledge and remedies, skills that keep him valuable to the pack despite his physical weaknesses and self-focused tendencies. His understanding of herbs and natural healing has made him the pack's herbalist—a role that suits his inclination for staying on the periphery of direct conflicts and challenges.

In his earlier years as a lone wolf, Arnica encountered several close calls with injury and illness, often with no one but himself to rely on. These experiences pushed him to study the plants and herbs in his surroundings, learning how to treat wounds, alleviate pain, and ease sickness. Over time, this knowledge became his personal form of survival, compensating for his lack of strength with a skill that gave him an edge. When he eventually met Serenity, it was his herbal expertise that allowed him to secure a place in her pack, leveraging his knowledge to gain acceptance and, later, a role as the breeding male.

Arnica is often seen gathering herbs at dawn or dusk, searching for rare plants in the forest's shadowed corners, where only he dares to roam alone. This solitary pursuit aligns well with his more self-contained personality, and he takes pride in being the only wolf in the pack with such specialized knowledge. His herbalist skills give him a sense of importance and make him indispensable to the pack, allowing him to avoid physical confrontations and challenging hunts without losing his status. However, his motives for helping others are often more about preserving his place than true altruism.

When it comes to his role as a father, Arnica's protective tendencies toward his daughter, Tundra, are strong, but his favoritism and possessiveness often cloud his judgment. In a well-known conflict between Tundra and another young wolf named Coal, Arnica sided fiercely with his daughter, disregarding any sense of fairness. This episode put him at odds with Serenity, whose need for impartiality as leader clashed with his biased approach, ultimately leading to the end of their mating relationship. While he no longer shares a bond with Serenity, Arnica remains with the pack, retaining his role as herbalist and breeding male despite a more limited influence.

Arnica's herbal knowledge has not only earned him a secure place in the pack but also a grudging respect from his peers, who turn to him during injuries or illness. Despite his selfish nature, he has saved lives on multiple occasions, using a vast array of treatments and healing practices that only he fully understands. His remedies, though occasionally bitter or unpleasant, have helped ease the suffering of many pack members, and his skills are valued even by those who are wary of his self-serving motivations.

Though not a leader by strength or character, Arnica's legacy is one of survival and cunning. His resourcefulness in learning herbalism and his ability to navigate pack dynamics through his skills have made him a fixture in the pack hierarchy. While he may not command the loyalty or admiration of the stronger wolves, his unique expertise ensures he will remain essential to the pack—an unconventional yet irreplaceable member who survives on his own terms.