Of course she was excited! The thought of meeting new wolves in a faraway pack was almost too good to be true. With the coming of spring and the confirmation that she, Sparrow, and Finch were finally old enough to travel to the distance mountains, the three pups were a whirlwind of excitement. Even shy little Wren was all too excited ab out the gathering. She followed behind her brother and sister, the only one covered in the black fur of their mother, like a shadow. Sparrow danced and twirled, his sing song voice carried on the wind, inviting all pups to come and join them. For a moment, the trio were alone. Sparrow announced this excitement, Finch following shortly afterwards. Wren smiled her sweetest grin and nodded enthusiastically. "How many wolves do you think will come? I hope a lot will, I want to have more friends!"

Then, the first wolves entered the clearing and Wren felt her heart sink to her paws. He had changed a lot since they had last met. He was bigger, less awkward, and far more commanding. But his eyes remained the same. They sought her bi-colored lenses and forced her to gaze at him, though she wanted nothing more than to look away. He had others with him, but they didn’t matter. Wren couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran down her spine. Blackthorne’s warning was heard loud and clear. What could she do? He knew where she lived, he could come for her, just like he had threatened two years ago. He was the reason she had never left Diveen before today. Why she feared to neighboring ocean pack. Wren had never told anyone else of the bullying and horror she faced that day, and that wasn’t about to change now.

The once happy and excited puppy had grown quiet and withdrawn. As Blackthorne and his entourage got closer, Wren couldn’t help but sink behind her brother slightly. The bully introduced himself and the others, playing as if he had no idea who Wren was. Part of her wanted to growl at him, snap at his paws and chase him away. But that would ruin Sparrow’s party and Finch wanted to make a good impression on their guests. With a quiet whine, Wren put on a brave face and simply watched as more and more wolves showed up. She no longer danced or played, she was just there, wishing she could run back home and hide away in the safety of her den.