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"There is no one who loves pain itself, who seeks after it and wants to have it, simply because it is pain..."

Her gaze warmed the moment Ruby came into view. The younger female had been loyal to her from day one and was never far from the moorlands of Iromar. Avery could tell the packlands meant just as much to her as they ever did to her, maybe even more so. Just like her, the swamp ran Ruby's blood, her history, her ancestors. They were all here. She was just as rooted. There was no one better to entrust Apollyon's future to, even if it was just to get one litter before the female moved on and found a mate as she should. Avery had never meant to make her settle for her son. She understood that Ruby was older and might want someone more mature, someone who could fully understand her. Apollyon seemed wise for his age sometimes but he was still young, no matter what. He still had much to learn. His gaze kept going to hers and she could practically feel the fury of that fire burning within him. He probably wanted her to hold the throne just a little longer, just until he could take it for himself. But she had never been one to give anything up easily and this would be no different.

Ruby stepped forward after she spoke and the aged female could see her gaze flitting between her and her son in question. When she spoke, Avery pricked her ears, her tail swaying easily behind her as the female said Apollyon was the rightful ruler and she saw great things in his future. The words made her own chest swell with pride to know that others saw what she wanted for all her children, but she worked to keep her face neutral. Ruby showed such courage by stepping up to offer her own opinion and Avery respected that. She said that she would hold the throne until Apollyon was ready if Avery allowed it. She said Apollyon would lead if desired and she would fight. Avery felt her chest swell again, this time with parental pride for Ruby. Though she wasn't her mother, Avery had always felt protective over the black female and her words only showed how great she was going to be herself.

Avery smiled and dipped her head. "Then so be it." She turned her head, her gaze sweeping over the other wolves present. "If any wish to step forward in challenge to Ruby's rule, then do so now. If not, I hand the leadership of Iromar over to her to do with as she sees fit." Her gaze found the female's again, her orange eyes twinkling with joy. "I can think of no one better to take the mantle of Iromar. I know it means as much to you as it does to me. Apollyon would do well to listen to your guidance and continue to learn and grow. I look forward to the future." Her gaze found her son's, who looked thoughtful as he watched Ruby. She knew her son was attracted to the female, but he was good at masking his emotions, something he must have picked up from her somewhere along the way.