When Ibis, a wolf made purely of the snow and sorrow around him, was only a pup, he thrived within a close-knit pack consisting of a group of Ice Wolves. In this vast pack, Ibis felt fulfilled, as if this was where he was meant to be. Whenever he wasn’t bombarding everyone around him with trivial queries, Ibis was laughing and yelping, chasing down snowy hares and birds. After he came back, covered in snow, he would be carried back to his where he would lounge with his siblings.

Among his siblings, Ibis held a special fondness for Snow, his littermate, for they both had an adventurous spirit that could not be tamed. Together, they shared a close kinship for being the pack’s oldest pups. Snow was known for his rowdiness, risk-taking, and boldness. He sometimes exhibited a streak of possessiveness over power, but Ibis tended to overlook such nuances. When Ibis asked Snow why their father, Cobalt, often wore a worried expression when gazing at him, Snow shrugged with uncertainty.

“Maybe he’s waiting until we both grow older so we can be trained by him together!” Snow offered with a cheerful yip. Ibis did his best to smile back, though he was still not reassured. Does he really have to wait longer, or is it just me? He seems to be with Snow a lot more recently. 

Ibis approached the small, wolf-like creature cautiously. “Don’t be afraid; I won’t harm you,” he reassured her. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you part of a pack?”

However, Ibis didn’t confine his affection to Snow alone. He spent constant, playful hours sparring with his sisters, Alaska and Aspen, for he adored them as well. Alaska displayed curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, though this part of her led to troubling situations at times. On the other hand, Aspen had an obedient nature about her, which often resulted in other pups naming her a pushover. Still, Ibis tried his best to support them throughout their lives, as they did for him.

His mother, while she did devote most of her time to her pups, also seemed to stray away from the thought of 

One night, while most of the Ice Wolves slumbered, Ibis and Snow were unexpectedly awakened by their father, Cobalt, who beckoned them to his den. “Ibis, Snow, I need to share something important with both of you,” Cobalt began, his tone grave. “Since you both are my kin and were born first, one of you will inherit my title as Alpha.”

Snow swished his blue-and-white tail with anticipation. “When you’re old enough, I’ll announce who will be the next Alpha,” Cobalt continued. “I won’t simply hand over the title. You’ll have to prove yourselves. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father,” they replied in unison.

As they left the den, Aspen awoke and noticed the two soon-to-be Alphas emerging. “What were you doing in the middle of the night?” she asked with a sleepy yawn.

“Father wants to discuss making me Alpha when I’m older!” Snow boasted.

Ibis chimed in, “Don’t you mean ‘us’? Father will choose between us.”

“Of course, Snow assumes he’ll be the next Alpha,” Aspen countered. “But maybe Ibis has a chance.”

Snow bristled. “Don’t flatter yourself, Aspen. Ibis isn’t Alpha material.”

“Fine,” Aspen replied, “but don’t be surprised if Ibis becomes the next Alpha.”

Snow grumbled and retreated to sleep.

The next morning marked a significant step for Ibis and his siblings. They were to be apprenticed to four mentors: Icicle, Rouge, Sticks, and Silver. As Ibis approached Silver, he noticed a small, silvery-eyed pup tethered to a tree by a rope, whimpering and struggling.

The pup, confused, stumbled while trying to strike a defensive pose. “I’m not going to hurt you,” Ibis repeated. “You’re a wolf, right?”

The pup, revealing her identity, replied, “I’m not a wolf; I’m a dog, a husky.”

Ibis was puzzled. “A husky? What’s that?”

The pup explained, “Well- we’re huskies! We bark and play and-” Ibis furrowed his brows. “So you’re a wolf.”

“No! Jeez, you ‘wolves’ sure don’t know a lot of things. I bet you don’t even know what a human is!”

“Humans?” Ibis snorted. “Oh, I know what they are. They’re terrible. They cut down trees, steal prey, and…”

The pup interrupted, “…really? They’ve been nice to me and my mother so far- they always take care of us. “

Ibis looked…puzzled. “Take care of you? How can that be?- They’re evil!”

“Well, wise-wolf. How do you know? 

“The pack told me. They’re always right,” he replied simply. 

The strange “husky” wasn’t convinced. “That doesn’t sound like a meaningful thought process. Do you always obey your ‘pack’ like this?”

“You haven’t told me your name yet!” Ibis remarked.

“I’m Ibis,” Ibis introduced himself.

The conversation was interrupted when Rogue arrived and scolded Ibis for wandering off. Before he could even blink, she was already gone, like a whistle in the wind. “I was just talking to a husky,” Ibis explained.

Rouge snorted, rolling her eyes. “A husky? What in the icicles is a husky? Ibis, you can’t just talk nonsense when your father needs you right now.” 

She then led Ibis back to his pack, muttering about ‘how pups these days really need to start working more, this pack might be nothing but a bunch of slumps in the next few years,’ He could feel a tightness rise up in his throat, he had never actually talked to his father before!

The pale wolf padded into his den, his eyes shining with the shimmering reflection of the ice crystals around him. Beams of sunlight seeped through the wall of hanging ferns, bouncing off their beautifully crafted sides. Immediately, he felt a sense of ease inside this room- perhaps it would be all right in the end. 

“Ibis.” Immediately, he felt a shiver travel down his spine, but not when he felt cold on the winter nights, or when he was listening to scary stories fabricated by other pups. No. This was different. Something was going to happen to him. 

While he didn’t realise it at first, he suddenly noticed Snow shifting in a corner. He seemed less nervous and tense than Ibis, but the thin layer of fear still drifted across in the air. 

His father raised his head above the two, letting his authority be known. “I think you both are aware you are the oldest pups- my oldest pups. You’ll both have a chance at being the alpha. Isn’t that….exciting?” He murmured, a grin on his face. 

Snow’s eyes lit up, turning to Ibis in excitement. He, in unison, had a rush of giddiness overtake him, sending him to a moment of euphoria. 

“Yes, yes, I know Ibis. This can be exciting news for a pup like you. However, you should be wary of the risks that come with being a leader- especially one in training. I have prepared Snow in advance, though I do believe you are ready for this as well. I am proud of both of you.” 

“Why did we move, though? What happened?” 

Ibis was supposed to feel happy- he knew that. He knew that very well, and yet somehow, somewhere inside him, he felt a sort of emptiness enlarge. It scared him- no, it terrified him. What made him feel this way, and why did he feel a sense of dread linger within him? 

“Hold on, I hear something. You can leave, but remember- we’re still meeting by this moon cycle.” 

“Thank you, my leader, I am…pleased.” He murmured, his eyes veering over to the side slightly, not wanting to look into his father’s gaze. Cobalt dipped his head, as a form of respect in the pack. Just to remain with dignity, Ibis returned the gesture, padding out of the den. Snow nudged him by the shoulder, cheekily grinning, as he always did. He puffed out his long-furred chest, opening his maws to speak. 

“Well, I don’t want to tell you I told you so, but I told you so!” Snow smugly chirped, Ibis just rolled his eyes and sighed. 

“Yeah, sure. You got me, but I’m still not sure-” He was immediately interrupted by a groan, one specifically from Snow. 

Are you serious?- Come on, Ibis. This is like, the best opportunity for you! You’ve been slouching and slumping over this for so long! Honestly, you’re never happy about anything.

“That’s not true! I-I’ve just got a bad feeling about this, that’s all! It’ll pass soon, I guess.” He just shuffled his paws awkwardly, what was he doing? 

Snow shrugged, rolling his eyes. “Well, whatever. Tomorrow’s the time we receive our new guardians! Not to brag, but I think Alpha Cobalt’s going to train me. It’s obvious since he’s spent so much more time with me than anyone else! Well, any other pups anyways.

Ibis just rolled his eyes, scoffing at his brother. Despite everything, he’s still as bossy as ever. It wasn’t like he hated him though, he wasn’t sure what he would do with himself if he did.

Just then, they could hear their mother calling out to them by the den where they usually slept. 

“Come on, you two. Get into bed! It’s getting late. You don’t want the big hunter to eat you up for dinner, do you?” Snow pawed at the ground impatiently, huffing. His breath crystallised in the air, floating as a pale cloud. 

“Mom, we’re too old for pup stories like the big hunter! We’re getting our guardians, for star’s sake!” Snow called out, a tone of annoyance in his voice. 

She just giggled in response, slinking out of the bushes. Her fur glimmered under the starlight of the night sky. Her mahogany eyes shined a bright amber hue, filled with mirth for the world around her. 

“Of course, and yet, you’ll always be my baby starling to me!” Ibis had always predicted this to happen- being correct every time, a frustrated yowl echoed across the camp while the sound of thumping one’s foot could also be heard. 

The morning sun rose over their heads, beaming its light over their heads. It felt fitting since this was such a momentous day. It was the day they would receive their guardians! Ibis could feel his eyes shrivel up with every second he stared at his father, anticipating the moment. 

After they raced over to their mother, they were curled up inside the comfort of their bed, feeling the feathers and rabbit’s hide on their pelts. Warmth surrounded them like wings spreading across them to protect them from the cold winter winds. 

Still, though, Ibis could feel that unnerving sense of unease, clawing out his throat. 

“This morning, I have called this gathering to congratulate my oldest sons! Their progress over the moon has grown like the cycle of a hawk. From a small fledgling to a mighty predator, I hope you both will succeed as trainees, and grow as feared beasts. 

Snow, you will be mentored with me,” Snow gave a subtle, but painfully smug glance, “for I believe you will be the one that will lead our pack to greatness, and continue this dynasty with your own. Hopefully, you will learn from what I can teach you and grow to be a respectable leader.” 

Cheers and howls were thrown out, merging into a sort of cacophony of noises full of ecstasy and triumph. The heads of his packmates were raised in such jubilation- it was beautiful. Hopefully, mine can be great as well. 

“Now, Ibis. I believe that you, as well, are worthy and capable of moving on to the next crucial part of your life. With the honour of your family, I will trust you with Silver, who I believe will be a suitable candidate for you.”

Immediately, he felt his fur flush with a bright scarlet.

Silver? The wolf who hasn’t had an apprentice ever since he let one get eaten by a fox? Surely there was a mistake! 

He could already hear the other pups whispering and muttering, potentially spreading gossip about him and what his father had planned. His head felt like a heavy stone from thinking about it- no matter what, he could never wipe away the sheer humiliation he got from overhearing a conversation or two about…certain affairs. 

“Now, that will be the end. Though it may be short, it should still be memorable and honourable. I dismiss the pack.” 

Everyone had already gotten through and left, almost like it was just something to sit around for and not an actual moment of importance for him and his brother. It made him feel weak- like a burden. 

He just sighed. Silver glanced around anxiously, shifting at his paws. His maws shifted into a lopsided grin, quivering around the corners. 

“So, erm- would you like to go hunting? Oh- how about combat, perhaps? I could teach you all about the territory, does that sound fun?-” 

Ibis stared in disappointment. However, he couldn’t exactly say he was disappointed him exactly. There was some talk about Silver’s previous apprentice- Rush. Some said that she was the prime example of a wolf, the greatest hunter, fighter and in general. For some reason- unexplained, she disappeared. 

Silver was never the same after that. 

He realised he was already lost in this train of thought. When has my mind gotten this muddled?- I’ll never be a good wolf for the pack like this. 

“Oh- uh… Well, I think I wanna see what the territory has to offer me, you know? Like- what if I get lost? That might be bad, heh,” he stammered. I’m making a fool out of myself. 

Silver nodded. “Of course! That seems the most logical. Should we start with the mountain trail? That’s usually the easiest way to get to the main points like er- Silver Forest, The Star-cursed Lake-” 

Ibis started to smile- well, it was more like a sliver of one at the very least- perhaps this would not be so bad after all. Maybe he could learn some things! 

“Alright, let’s go! I can’t wait to find Snow there!-” He yelped, already rushing over to the exit. Little did he know, something was waiting for him- something he would have never known would even happen. 

It was just an unassuming walk around the forest at first, some trees here and there- the occasional shiny rock. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary- not until that. 

“-and this here is the Star-cursed Lake! It’s the furthest out from the rest of the key points. A cool fact about this is actually where the pack used to live back in the day. We had festivals for it! Well, I mean- nobody was really there except for maybe Alpha Cobalt- but it’s still a nice thing to think about in theory.” 

“Well, I believe some humans moved in and er- killed…a lot of wolves. It wasn’t exactly the nicest time, kid. Lots of wolves suffered too. The prey at the time were probably affected by whatever the humans put in. The water too. Over time… we just… decided we didn’t want to deal with that anymore.

I think they left. Maybe they came here for us- maybe they were just bored. Still, it’s probably a big part of what made us…us. What made us snow wolves.” 

“…Oh. What if- what if those were just bad humans, then? What if there were good ones?” 

Silver stood there in silence, observing the ripples that washed over the lake.

“If there were any good ones, they probably weren’t good enough to help us, then.”

After that, there was an opulent moment of silence, simply sitting there and pondering. 

“Well, I’m gonna be off- do you want to come with me?” Ibis wasn’t sure what to do. Suddenly, there was a peculiar rustling nearby in a bush- only so subtle that he could hear it. 

“No thanks, I’ll uh- I’ll stay here. It’s fine,” he shrugged, padding closer towards the rustling. Silver nodded, trotting off back through the mountain trail. Meanwhile, Ibis still had to investigate. 

When he poked his head through the bush, he could make out a familiar voice- one that was his father! It felt wrong to be eavesdropping on what could potentially be important information for the pack. Then again, he was part of the pack, wasn’t he? It only seemed right if he got to know what could happen to him and his family. 

Cobalt growled in a gristly, deep tone, “I’ve murdered before- caught them with my jaws and ended their lives in seconds. Do you think you can scare me? I don’t care. Get me their hides or don’t even bother coming at all.” 

Ibis widened his eyes. Murdered? No- that couldn’t be. He couldn’t have done it! His mind raced with anxiously-fabricated thoughts slamming at his skull. Still, he tried his best to slow them down, still wanting to know more of this. 

“…Now, let’s discuss this. So far, the pack is growing well. I’ve made the weaker one the leader- just so if it tries questioning my authority? Snap. He’ll drop like a twig. When he dies, I’ll make Ibis the leader. Our legacy will grow strong, like the branches of an oak tree.”

It really was true, he thought to himself. My father is a murderer. A monster. Just then, his brain clouded with terrifying thoughts- what was he going to do now, what would he tell the pack? What was he going to turn out like when he was older? He couldn’t do it. 

“Help! Help, somebody!” 

His father immediately snapped back at him, his glare as sharp and cold as the teeth of a coyote. Ibis could feel his heart clawing at his chest, slamming at his rib cages. It wasn’t until a few moments later did he realised he had stopped breathing. 

The pale wolf didn’t know what was worse- a heart beating at blistering speeds, or a heart as still as ice. Before he could even attempt to escape, he was briskly snatched out of the bush, at the mercy of bloody jaws full of glistening teeth ready to tear him to shreds. 

“How much did you hear?” He growled in a deep, guttural voice, gripping tighter onto his scruff. Ibis was speechless for a moment, unable to even move, for he was frozen in shock. 

“Well?! What about it? How much?!” The impact of being slammed onto the cold ground nearly shattered him, leaving him helpless and quivering on the ground. He howled in pain, feeling every nerve in his body spark with agony. 

In the dark blurriness of the scene, Ibis could make out the canter of pawsteps, indenting a field of snow. 

“Alpha Cobalt?!- What are you doing to my son?!” 

“Quiet, Songbird. I’ve decided that you and this runt are not allowed to even step foot on my pack again. Leave, at once,” he snarled, his eyes encapsulating a primal rage she had never seen before. 

“What?!- You can’t just decide that- what about my life here?! What about our life here?” 

“You know very well that we didn’t have a life together. You wanted a purpose to your meaningless life and I needed heirs. There was nothing more to it.” 

Her expression flashed with a look of pain- not only by the sheer malice in his voice but by the truth beneath them. She had always known there was never love between the two- but she ignored it. She had ignored it up until now. 

“So, you have given me an heir- you have no more use to me. Leave before I kill you by my paws.” 

Without hesitation, she grabbed Ibis, darting off into the Silver Forest. It was that moment when Ibis realised that would be the last he would see of his old life again.