Sven had seen it coming, had always known that this would be the way things would come to be and, with Enoki's disappearance, knew that it would be soon. Burdened by his mate's disappearance on top of the growing pack's demands, Nicolo had grown not just weary, but ill. Unable to maintain the leadership, he had approached Sven privately to discuss the situation. Ultimately, the young Archer's crown was returned to him, and damned if it didn't feel good.

He'd left Nicolo to rest, stepping back out into the frozen world with his head held high. A moment was taken to survey the kingdom that was once again rightfully his, before tilting back his head and sending up a howl for the whole pack to hear. It's notes communicated dominance and ownership, announcing his leadership crisply in the winter air.

When the last note had faded, he set out in search of his equal in rank. He and Enoki had formed an understanding during his short time as alpha before those rogue mutts had attempted to take his life from him; he would not waste time in ensuring that his and Ravenna's reign together was just as agreeable. While he had thoroughly appreciated the piebald woman for all that she had done, not just in leading the pack but for him personally, this was how it was supposed to be.

This was the final shift in leadership the Ridge would see for a long time; the dawning of a new dynasty.

Unsurprisingly, @Leotie was the first to respond, appearing at his side. She was never really too far to start with. He butted his skull against hers, acknowledging her gesture but silently affirming that this changed nothing in their friendship. He certainly wasn't about to start acting any more high and mighty than he already did. The howls of the others rose up then, approving of the shift in ranks. It reminded Sven again how far he had come since his childhood. The climb had been long and arduous, but ultimately worth it, to fight and scrabble for the wolves of the Ridge to not just acknowledge him, but respect him as well.

Then came @Ravenna, and Sven returned her soft grumbling as he reciprocated her embrace. For a beat, he simply enjoyed this feeling of returning, welcomed, back to the position in which he belonged. Then, with a nip to her cheek he withdrew, back to business, which was a much more familiar state.

"Nicolo conceded that he's no longer fit for leadership. I think he'll be more receptive to your care now, too. We can't let him go out searching anymore, not until he gets his strength back."

Sven's ears angled back almost imperceptibly at the thoughtful words uttered by his accomplice, as they rang far too true for him as well. Perhaps watching love kill his grandmother and uncle as well as torture his father had a great deal to do with Sven's inability to commit himself to deeply to another being; it felt almost as though declaring romantic love were the same as signing your own death warrant. Perhaps the fallen would tell him its worth it, but he could not justify accepting something so ultimately miserable into his life.

A problem for the future, however.

"I'm here for the long haul," he vowed solemnly, though a smirk played across his black lips. The time before had been out of his paws, but Sven was a wolf that had to believe he had total control over his own life even when this was proven to be impossible. It helped him remain sane.

"We should discuss what we both want, now that we're finally leading together."