It isn’t like me to stand here watchful of the other. Usually I am quite inviting and perhaps a bit naïve. But I think after being attacked by a loved one, I think whatever thought I had that I could trust others was long gone. I knew I could always trust my parents, the proved that they loved me and cared for me. But I couldn’t rely on blood. If Grandfather could attack me, then anyone within my family or pack, or even outsiders could do the same thing. But I know deep down in my heart my own parents would never do such a thing. I am not wary of the trespasser. I am not afraid of him. He may have just turned two years old, but for a one year old I was growing well into a formidable creature. My broad chest and wide shoulders could attest to that. My Grandfather’s weight crushed me, and I saw my own Grandmother and how daunting she looked…and I know that I will continue to carry that within my own stature, but of course, it would forever be intertwined with my Mother’s grace and my Grandfather’s Angel heritage. I was born from Kings and Assassins and I was not going to be the one within my big family to be anything less. I stand a little bit bolder now, raising my golden crown high like I saw Mother do. My bright blue eyes narrow as I watch him move around the bloody scene. Yet it would seem that my warning growl and bark was enough to grab his attention, catching him across our borders- caught at the scene of the crime…no pun intended. I notice how his tail sways back and forth and his dial move in a neutral stance, but I do not change my own form. This is my home…and I have no need to move my form in such a friendly gesture. At least…not yet. My golden ears twitch back and forth as I listen to his voice as he explained why he was trespassing. A part of me feels some guilt and shame as my head lowers slightly.

I didn’t want everyone to know. I thought this was pack business. Didn’t pack business stay within pack? Would I forever be known as the weakling that got attacked, that lost? He was bigger than me. He was more experienced and I did my best. I didn’t shout for mercy. I didn’t cry. I tried to escape as best as I could, I was going to run towards help, I knew Grandfather wasn’t acting right. Yet he was larger and faster. I hope everyone remembers how brave I was. I didn’t cry or whimper, not even when Mother and Father put me back in the den with their bodies curled around me in a comforting manner. I didn’t shriek or holler when Meryl began to heal me. I hope everyone remembers that I was brave…I didn’t want to be considered a coward. What if my running for Guardian Angel was already up before I could even start?! Then what could I be within my pack? I could not be the new Alpha, I was the fourth Princess and I had too many siblings above me. I wanted to be something worthy to my pack. If I could not take my Mother’s paw steps, then at least I could be in a position that held my name. I was a protector. I was the one others would invoke upon should they need to be saved. It was my name-right and birthright to be in that position. As the male asked if I saw what happened, a very soft growl came from my russet chest.

“My Grandpa attacked me. Mother and Father explained to me that he is getting old and he lost his imprint and…he had gone through a lot of stuff, and that sadness and anger and pain just…overwhelmed him.”

This was pack business, I know, but he wanted to know so why not explain? Besides, I was a little bit terrified of him and I felt a bit guilty. Maybe, he would understand and know that it all wasn’t my fault. Even though I believed it all was. If I hadn’t approached him that day then perhaps he wouldn’t have attacked me and Mother and Father wouldn’t banish him. Then Grandfather Heyel wouldn’t have been mean to Mother. It was all my fault really and I kept the guilt hidden from everyone. This was my pain to suffer and I wouldn’t let anyone take it away from me…I deserved to get hurt and feel pain. I cannot help but tilt my golden crown to the side as he admits his error and inquires to see. Everyone else seems to look away when they see me, I notice Mother always looking away. I do not trust him, but maybe if he sees the scars, maybe if he hears my side of the story…then he can tell everyone that I was brave. Then if there were any rumors of my weakness it would be demolished. I approach him carefully as I speak at him.

“You can take a look if you want…our Healer said I would be better soon and the scars will fade.”

As my snowy white frame gets closer to his I stop in front of him and stand still. My head lowers lightly, my tail hanging in a neutral stance as I give him the signal to approach and view. He would see the damage that my Grandfather had caused. Yet ripping through my skin along my shoulder and hind flank was not only skin deep. The scars, Meryl said, would fade, but I am afraid I am scarred in other ways. Perhaps once he sees my wounds he would be satisfied and he would speak of my praise for all. He needed to know who I was, and so, I turn my head to face his as he circles around me, speaking proudly.

“I’m Calliel, by the way, fourth daughter of Isola and Kane. What’s your name?”