A male of tall physique and disposition stepped gingerly across the earthy ground. Behind him, a crooked tail followed, swaying and rocking against his hind leg. His large eyes were focused upon something. No, someone. A dame of shorter height with a darkened pelt in comparison to his own.

It was a female he was not meant to associate himself with, let alone speak her name, but he spoke it nonetheless.

"Yelena."

Oh, and what a smile spread upon his lips when her name rolled off of his tongue! And how he leaned towards her, so rapidly and suddenly, as if trying to intimidate her. Bǫlverkr didn't stop there either. He continued leaning closer, and closer, and closer, until his muzzle was inches away from Yelena's own, his lips completely peeled back to reveal a set of jagged teeth.

Holding the pose, the male tilted his head slightly, staring at her neck. A few seconds later, he lunged forward, teeth clicking together millimeters away from her skin, pretending to bite her. It was only when he pulled back did he do something uncalled for. The male began to actually giggle. Not a simple, short giggle either, but a lengthy one, full of snorts and chuckles. "Oh.. oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't tease," he wheezed out breathlessly, left paw slapping against the ground to compose himself. It was an odd sight to behold, but Bǫlverkr was an unstable individual. It was to be expected.

"Walk with me to the meeting."

It was no request, no question. It was a demand, an order. Bǫlverkr wished for Yelena to walk by his side to the daily pack meeting. She couldn't deny him, he was her superior, not to mention closest companion. However, he knew that there would be looks. Gazes, followed by gossip and frustration.

Ah, what a pity she was of the lowest rank, and he one of the highest. He wasn't allowed to converse with her nor even look at her, but did that stop Bǫlverkr? Of course not. The male did what he pleased. He couldn't simply abandon Len based on her rank alone. They had been friends since his eyes had opened for the first time. To turn his back on her would be a crime itself.

"Tell me, has anybody come to harm you as of late? You know I'll have their head." He couldn't change her rank, not while his parents reigned. It was their duty alone to change one's title in the pack. As far as her role went, Bǫlverkr could do nothing. Oh, it wasn't as if he didn't try! He had debated, bargained, even claimed that Yelena had saved his life so that she may advance in the hierarchy, but it was useless. To change an omega's rank would show weakness, as his father would say. It would show the pack and enemies that they were merciful, and that was unacceptable. No, according to Bǫlverkr's father, he would prefer being a feared and respected ruler rather than a just and giving one.

So, if he couldn't change her rank, he could certainly check up on her ever so often.

Staring at her for a brief moment, he broke out into a leisurely stroll, paws making shallow imprints on the ground. His mouth lay agape, tongue lolling out to fight against the heat of the sun upon his back. Even the shade of trees did little to aid his discomfort. It was fall, but some days held more warmth than others. Today was one of those warm days.

"I'm dreading today," he suddenly declared, "my parents wish to have a conversation with me later. I can only imagine what it will be about this time." Confiding in Len, Bǫlverkr rolled his eyes with such force, it was a wonder how they didn't pop out of their sockets. Lips twitching, his eyes grew blank. "If they weren't my parents, I think I would have killed them already." Whether he was speaking the truth or simply teasing was unknown, for Bǫlverkr was known to be rather.. uneasy at times. The only reason his parents didn't declare him truly mad was because they were the ones that caused him to turn out this way. That, and because while he understood little about many things, he did understand how to lead and how to put the pack first.

Blinking, he turned to Len, "but don't tell them I told you that." Offering a simple wink, they strolled into a small clearing. The gentle sound of the waterfall located their dens could be heard, even this small distance away. However, his ears were not focused upon that, but upon the sight and sounds before him.

"I haven't got all day," came the bellowing of a deep masculine voice. "Gather, gather!" It spoke again, powerful voice screeching through the land, echo reflecting back in an eerie manner. "Please, everybody settle, we have some wondrous news!" Came a softer, feminine voice, though equally as firm.

There, upon a grand fallen log, stood his parents. Karau, his father, stood in the middle. On his left, Kezia, his mother. "Good grief," Bǫlverkr muttered, knowing Len had seen it, too. There, upon his father's right side stood Chu'a, his newest.. affiliation. "Another mistress," he added on, his lips curling upwards in disgust. How many was that now? Three? Four? Truly, Bǫlverkr had lost count. Between him and his half-siblings running around, it was like a madhouse.

He wouldn't have cared so much this time if Chu'a was not younger than he himself.

And that was not all. Beside his mother stood yet another startling figure.

"What's Misha doing up there?" He spoke to both himself and Len, only to feel a sudden presence beside him.

"You're in for some fun, brother."

Turning, Bǫlverkr faced Nazar, his younger brother, who wore a satanic grin on his face, his body twirling around with excitement and pleasure. "Oh, wait'll you see what father and mother have planned for you! They even let me have my own say in it, they did." Grin widening, the sight only made Bǫlverkr's hackles raise. "What did you do?" He questioned, eyes meeting his father's upon the log before turning back to Nazar.

"Let's just say your days as a free individual are over, big brother." Releasing a satisfied sigh, it was then when his eyes rested upon Yelena, his smile fading. "You're with her again?" Muzzle wrinkled in distaste, Nazar frowned. "You," he pointedly spoke, muzzle jabbing in the air in her direction. "Get to the back of the group. That's where the lowest of the low reside, but then again, you already knew that." Stepping forward, Nazar continued ridiculing, eyes staring into Yelena's own with menace.

"That's enough, step back," responded Bǫlverkr, blocking Nazar's view, who merely smiled once more. "You won't be so bold if I tell father of what I saw. Conversing with her again? Who do you think he'll punish more when he learns, you, or her? And I'd hate to see how creative he would be."

Chest inflating, Bǫlverkr opened his mouth, releasing a small snarl. There was truth in Nazar's words, though that wasn't what frustrated him most. It was knowing that his brother would tell on him, rather than keep it to himself. He was known for that, always stirring up trouble. It was why Bǫlverkr hardly spoke to him anymore. He wished to change, and Nazar only brought out the worst in him.

That was why Bǫlverkr leaned forward, mouth open and prepared to take a chunk out of his brother's neck and-

"Bǫlverkr!"

Snapping his mouth shut, he glanced at his father, who wore a big smile. Did he miss something? Why was everyone cheering?

"That's right! On this blessed day, my son, my heir, is betrothed!"

A series of cheers were heard, filtering through the air and breaking the eerie silence that stood within the shadowed forest. Murmurs, giggles, and whatnot were sounded, all eyes upon his figure. It was natural that everybody was excited. He was the heir, and a betrothal meant that he, in turn, would produce children of his own to ensure the pack and his lineage would continue. It was custom, filled with hopes that he would produce a son to continue his family's reign.

"Congratulations, brother," came the first words from Nazar, tone so cutthroat it made Bǫlverkr sound like a saint. "I curse you," he spat in reply, eyes boring into the figure of his brother's red coat as he watching him saunter off, a small prep in his step. It wasn't until the crowd had begun to disperse did the masculine notice how his nails dug into the ground, ripping up tufts of grass and trampling flowers to the point of no return. "This is preposterous!" Had he not been told since a pup that he was free to choose whomever he desired? That there would be no fixated alliance between himself and another?

Such anger had filled him, it felt as if he were physically ill. Thus, when Len congratulated him, his gaze settled onto her with such intensity, it was a wonder how she didn't cower. "Don't congratulate me over a betrothal that will never happen," he hissed, pure venom seeping out with his words. It was always the one closest to him who he typically projected his rage onto, but Yelena was an exception. She was one whom he could never hurt. After all, it was her expression that had caused him to release a jagged breath, composing himself.

"It was never discussed with me." His tone was softer, calming, even, when addressing Yelena. "I'll manage to talk them out of it." Bǫlverkr's eyes fell to the ground, his brows furrowing. They can't do this, his mind seemed to scream, his head bobbing along with his inner voice.

I have a right, they can't take that away.

Who do they think they are?

I'm the heir. This isn't fair. I can choose..

They said I could choose.

"They can't do this," he mumbled, eyes snapping upwards and shaking away his intrusive thoughts. A single laugh could be heard emerging from his throat, a disgruntled and manic one before it slowly transitioned into a growl. "I'll fix this." Nodding his head several times, his eyes twitched a singular time before finally landing on Len for a prolonged amount of time, as if memorizing her. "I'll speak with them, see if I can talk myself out of this." Yes, that's what I'll do.

"Wait for me?" He asked, staring at Len for a moment before gyrating, his pace quick and steps heavy. While the others departed, getting on with their daily duties, his parents remained, as if expecting Bǫlverkr's presence. Along them stood Misha and Nazar, Chu'a being the closest to the two leaders. Their forms were facing one another, conversing and boasting about the wonderful news.

"Leave us," Bǫlverkr's voice interrupted, snarling at the mistress and causing all five pairs of eyes to land upon him. It was his father who made the first move, nodding to Chu'a and shrugging her away, to which she released a single snort before sashaying away. It was only a few weeks ago that she was humble and quiet, though given the role of mistress and gaining his father's favour had caused Chu'a to adapt an entirely new persona.

If she kept it up, she'd make a pretty rug.

"My word is final," came the voice of Karau, voice deep, one suited for a king. "And what of my word?" Countered Bǫlverkr, standing his ground. "Have I no right to choose who I'd like by my side?" -- "You mean somebody like your little omega?" Sneered Nazar, not even daring to say her name, as if it were a curse. As if it weren't even worthy of speaking. "Nobody asked you, Nazar. Why are you even here? This conversation has nothing to do with you. Father, dismiss him. I wish to speak with you and mother. Alone." That went for Misha, too. He had nothing against her. He didn't hate her nor did he like her. She was neutral, and like Nazar, she wasn't a part of this.

Karau took a moment to take in his son's request before releasing a singular tsk. "No, I don't think I will," came his response, staring down Bǫlverkr. There was an unsettling pause. "Why so sudden?" Came Bǫlverkr's next question, gaze hardened and lips twitching. "There was never mention of me being paired up. I want to know why now."

It was Kezia, his mother, who spoke this time. "You're around the age your father and I were announced to be paired. We felt as if it were right." --"And look at you now, you two hate one another. I mean, he has mistresses to please him because your mere presence annoys him so." Just like that, what was meant to be a formal conversation escalated. That had caused his father to release a growl, his figure stepping forward. "Remember who you speak to!" He thundered, pupils nearly slits.

Snake, Bǫlverkr couldn't help but think.

He cared not for his father, but it was his mother's reaction that had caused guilt to spew from within him. Her small flinch and sudden silence at his cruelty, but were his words not true? "I'm sorry," he mumbled to her, but she would not meet his eyes. "You need to learn responsibility. You've spent too long fooling around, and I've let you.."

"..You've grown weak. I can't have that for a son." -- "Karau!" Came a gasp from Kezia, fear etched in her voice as she gazed with uncertainty at both her mate and eldest son. Nazar only leaned in, always a lover of drama. "Like father, like son," sneered Bǫlverkr, all sense of manners vanishing. This was no longer a talk, but an arguement. "I want you to revoke this. I want you to hold a meeting and cancel this news. I will find someone. There doesn't have to be a rush-"

"The pack wants confirmation. A betrothal means strength, it enhances your power as the heir. You should be thanking me rather than insulting me. There is a reason why our line has been the leaders for decades. Now, I won't hear any more about the situation. It's final." -- "I'm not done," snapped Bǫlverkr, only to be cut off. "You're dismissed. Don't make me have others remove you from my presence physically."

Stiffening, Bǫlverkr stared at all four figures remaining. "I won't let up on this." He spoke a final time before whirling around and stalking off, head slouched and lips peeled back in a silent snarl.

Where was Yelena.

"You shouldn't have done that," came a singsong voice. "I mean, I knew you were unstable, but even I got secondhand embarrassment from that," it continued, rambling on, and on..

..and on.

"Father hates you now. You shouldn't have spoken to him like that, not to mention mother's face when you insulted her. She'll probably weep over it later on."

..and on.

"You need to control your anger. Tch, that was kind of pathetic. It was like a child throwing a tantrum. You should know better than to question what is asked for you."

..and on.

"Such a temper."

A flash of movement advanced. Such a sudden action could never have been predicted, not until the blur of brown stood upon Nazar, pinning him against the ground. "See? That's my point precisely," the voice continued. "Like I said, temper. You need to.. skdfskgh!" A singular black claw ran up Nazar's chest, stopping at his throat until Bǫlverkr's paw as a whole pressed down on his throat. "Enough speaking," he hissed between clenched teeth, saliva coating his muzzle and dripping upon his brother's face.

"Gurslhgks!" Came Nazar's response, eyes narrowing before widening. "You speak too much for somebody's whose name means eye sore." This time, Bǫlverkr was met with silence. "You have no right to insert yourself in my business. What I say or do does not involve you, are we clear?" -- "Asjfhka! Gdsh!" -- "I'm sorry, what was that? I couldn't quite understand?" Bǫlverkr taunted, leaning farther in. "Yshe!" -- "One more time, I misheard.." He continued, enjoying the predicament.

"Yes!" Came a gasp from Nazar.

"Good." Pressing against his brother's throat for a moment longer, Bǫlverkr released the pressure, resulting in the younger canine rolling onto his stomach and gulping in air. "You're crazy!" He hollered, picking himself up shakily. "You tried to kill me! My own brother!" Crawling, Nazar slunk away, leaving a farther distance between the two. "You're dramatic. I barely did anything." -- "Don't manipulate me!" Quipped Nazar, waving a paw in Bǫlverkr's direction. "I know your tactics," he hissed, still gasping and gagging.

"Good, behave, and I won't have to use them. You know, as the heir and your future leader, I would advise.." Trailing off, Bǫlverkr's ears flickered, twirling around to catch approaching steps. A singular chuckle could be seen coming from Nazar, his expression no longer angry, but full of amusement. "Oh, of course. You're right, brother. Anyways, I should truly be going. Like you said, your drama is none of my business."

There was only one thing that could have caused such a dramatic shift in Nazar's tone, and that was-

"Misha," Bǫlverkr stated, releasing a heavy sigh before spinning around to face her. By then, Nazar had scurried off, though he probably wasn't far. The male enjoyed feasting on the worries and pain of others. "This truly isn't a good time," he added on, only to be silenced by her next words. There was nothing enjoyable about her presence, which could clearly be read upon the masculine's face. His maw scrunched up in disgust, body tense from contact as his eyes stared at her with pure.. Well, dislike.

"Talk? Whatever is there to talk about?" Did she truly believe that he would speak to her about his feelings? "Misha," he began, "you listened in to my conversation with my father and mother." His eyes studied hers with a sense of blankness, digging into her. "Do you truly believe I wish to make them happy by being seen with you?" Releasing a tch, his maw wrinkled further. "Obviously you haven't been listening, so here's a gentle reminder." Bǫlverkr stepped back, setting boundaries between them. "We don't belong to one another, nor will I have any affiliation with you. All I can offer you is my friendship, but let me make one thing clear."

Motioning to her with his snout, Bǫlverkr shrugged. "This.. will never happen."

Without another word, he continued to walk, not expecting her to follow. Then again, knowing Misha, he was sure she would.