After the unexpected rank challenge between Lachesis and Kjors, which was instigated by the latter, the one-eyed dragon was removed from the pack. Following this decision, both Karina and Bennet left Hearthwood, leaving Lachesis’ son, Kyrios Aegina, feeling angry and betrayed.

After the departure of the dragon clan Kisla headed south to visit her family in Oak Tree Bend, leaving Lilya to (temporarily) take the position of alpha. During her absence, Kisla’s son Aleksei Baranski returned to the woods of Kingsfall, to re-pledge his loyalty. However, the Hearthwood heir was greeted by tragedy, for Lachesis had give him the news of his father’s passing. Shortly after the beginning of the new year Kisla reclaimed her throne from Lilya, for the second had truly never felt comfortable with the title.

Shortly after his return, Aleksei and his sister Inna went in search of their missing sister—to bring her home to Hearthwood. They were unknowingly followed by Lachesis’ angry son, Kyrios Aegina, who was desperate to find his foster family. Unfortunately, the trio were unable to find Karina and her daughter, Bennet, but instead discovered the remains of Kjors. Kyrios fled the scene after a heated argument with Aleksei, but he did not return home. Instead, the Aegina headed south and continued his search for Karina and her daughter. Atropos Stark departed from Hearthwood shortly after her brother and assured her father that she would bring him home—that they would both come home.

As the absence of Lachesis’ children increased Lekalta Baranski returned from her own trip away from Hearthwood during the spring, pledging her allegiance to the river wolves once more. As breeding season captivated the wolves of Lore Lachesis had begun to doubt that the small pack would be producing any litters; however, much to the surprise of Hearthwood, they would be expecting three litters. The first litter belonged to Kisla, who did not share the name of the father with her packmates—and they did not ask. The second was between Lachesis and Lilya, an unexpected pair due to a peculiar encounter with Aytigin Delaney (who would later join the pack). The third was Inna’s, who like her mother, did not share the name of the father. Her brother, however, did not react kindly and neither did her mother.

During this time tensions grew between Whitestone Monadnock and Hearthwood River. Lachesis had worked hard to strengthen the relationship between the two northern packs, but after discovering Lilya’s pregnancy was confirmed she was attacked by one of their neighbours. Although Kisla wanted to dissolve the alliance immediately Lachesis wanted answers, for the attack had been unprovoked. After visiting the Monadnock he and Lilya discovered that Craw and his mate, Morganna, had fled the lowlands. They demanded the removal of Mittani or the alliance would be severed, and a scout—Cheedo—delivered the message of the rogue’s banishment shortly after their request.

As spring progressed Hearthwood began to swell in size. Lorcán from Whitestone Monadnock had chosen to join Hearthwood after the change in leadership (and to be closer to his daughter). His brother, Laike, had also been accepted into the pack by Kisla and was followed by Aytigin, who wanted to rectify things with Lachesis after their unpleasant encounter. Splashing Otter arrived onto Hearthwood lands soon after the talkative Delaney, along with a familiar face: Mace Attaya, who had been part of both Darkwater Rapids and Cut Rock River under Maksim’s leadership.

On May 1 Kisla gave birth to two children, Mathéo and Risaela, and was tended to by Aleksei, for he had grown protective over his mother and younger siblings. A few days later Lilya gave birth to three children—Laddeus, Lavender and Lilliana—but they were unable to stray from tragedy. Their son, Laddeus, had been born a stillborn. Almost two weeks later Inna gave birth to a single daughter, Oksana. Shortly after the birth of the newest Baranski Aleksei decided he was leaving the pack with nothing but a single howl announcing his departure.

After the arrival of all three litters Lachesis worked on mending the relationship between Hearthwood and Wild Rye Fields, for he had kept his distance from them. He delivered them herbs to help with Jessie’s pregnancy and assured the scouts, Reyes and Adelayde, that he expected nothing in return. As things begun to look up for Hearthwood River they were struck by a flood, a result of the persistent heavy rain. Fortunately for the growing pack they escaped unscathed and, since then, are working on strengthening their numbers and taking care of their newest (and smallest) arrivals.