2023 was not a kind year to the wolves of the Backwater. While January gave them rest, February marked the ending of an era and the start of something darker. Known only to those Vayko considers confidants, he challenged Vasco for his rank and bested the older wolf physically. However, Vasco waited for Vayko to turn his back and then grievously attacked, leaving him for dead. A year has gone by without consequence for this, as only Clover and Rochus know, and no one has yet made a move.

Keeping with tradition, children from Sanguine Cove came to visit in for two weeks, before the children of Dead Empress Backwater went to the mountain for what was supposed to be a fortnight. Nix vanished before it could happen, likely lost in a Winter storm for all the Backwater knows and Llinnea chooses to run away from the pack altogether. Still the sisters Sephrina and Isla wanted to participate and were entrusted into the mountain pack's care. Far from home and family, disaster struck them when Sephrina was chased out onto the ice after intruding on a hibernating bear. It was unable to withstand the weight and the Valle child broke through, drowning at only nine months old. Isla witnessed her sister's death and ran, not home, but north into the lowlands.

The fallout from this event is still ongoing; upon hearing about the accident, Viorel declared the Cove enemies of the pack until they returned Isla safely to them. Chan tried to take credit entirely for the incident when he returned Sephrina's body, but the Valle leader was not open to hearing it and blamed the entirety of the Cove for the death of his daughter. Eros and Seri came home the same night, bringing along a new friend and no news of Vanadis' whereabouts other than confirmations of where she was not. They were greeted with the news that Vayko had returned without Eros' mother, and that he no longer had little siblings. Amongst this devestation, Sage joined the pack's ranks. While plans have not formally been set into motion, Viorel and Vasco have been plotting their revenge, meeting in secret to discuss their next moves and Vasco leaving the pack to go on an undisclosed scouting mission.

Devoured by grief, Viorel entered a period of silence and withdrew into himself. Come the spring, members of the pack were dealing with the loss in their own way. Eros began a long journey of challenging up with the goal of becoming a second. He would achieve his goal, and also earned his dream role of combat medic, as well as being asked to be his father's advisor on a casual basis. Archer took a different approach and sought comfort from Kateri, and in a moment of weakness impregnated her. She would not be the only one to become pregnant that spring; Vayko and Clover made their romance official and she chose to carry her second litter, now as leader, while Sharlee and Reade were given permission to breed in Viorel's stead. Upon discovering Kateri's pregnancy, Viorel broke his silence and flew into a fit of rage, banishing both Kateri and Archer for their crime.

Smoke would begin to creep into the air as soon as the forests were dry enough for fire, and thickly blanke the Lore the rest of summer. The waters tasted poisonous, everyone's breathing was affected, and there was even a nearby blaze. Still, for all that could have gone wrong, this seemed to be the Backwater's one blessing this year. Save for some lasting coughs, the pack was largely unharmed.

In May, the pack welcomed Euna, Khalon, Torianna, and Tuwile from Clover, and Jacynth, Mira, and Dacian from Sharlee. Elsewhere Kateri would also have her litter, Andy and Ally, though Andy would die from an illness at a couple weeks old, and Kateri would go out looking for medicine and never return. Reade had left on a religious trip, intending to be back before the birth, but never returned. Sharlee disappeared not long after, before her children were weaned, leaving them to be adopted into Clover and Vayko's care. Almost as soon as she was old enough to survive on her own Mira left without a word, presumably to look for her parents. Jacynth was thought to have gone with her, but reappeared, having merely been lost. By the end of the year, Dacian would leave too, leaving Jacy the only surviver of Sharlee's dream family.

Amidst all of the chaos, Oleander found himself reeling to find his place amongst the large personalities of the pack. He had befriended Sage, but needing some space he also spent some time away from the Backwater. When he returned he was welcomed with open arms and began to immerse himself into pack life. Since returning he has become a more active pack member than before. Oleander was not the only son to attempt a return to the pack; after reconciling with Eros, Archer came to speak with his father and seek refuge for himself and his surviving daughter. Viorel accepted Archer back into the pack, but only a couple of weeks later Ally disappeared amongst a thick fog and Archer left to find her, having not returned since. Isla also made a brief return after Viorel stumbled upon her within a couple days of the pack's territory, and despite the hostilities they exchanged the yearling came home. It was short lived however, as Isla could not find it in herself to stay and took off, abandoning her home once more.

Other new faces also joined the pack in the fall before the harsh weather came in. Newcomers Tyra, Anatole, Brielle, and Sonnet have joined and still reside within the Backwater. To end the year as dramatically as it began, two threats attempted to take more from the Backwater. A cougar stalked Sonnet and Anatole, but was thwarted by Oleander. A sudden winter storm then spelled trouble for the group, as Clover was knocked through the ice by a falling tree. Sage, Eros, and Viorel come to rescue her from the frozen water, with Oleander helping with his medical knowledge. While lucky to be alive, Clover was still made incapacitated and stepped down as leader, Eros taking her place to lead at his father's side.