The Fifth

Naikeni is the fifth known leader of Hollow Tree Pack. Her reign was announced on her father, Telemachus', deathbed. In addition to announcing that Naikeni would be taking the throne, Telemachus also gave Naikeni a mission. It seems that on his deathbed, the ancestors blessed him with their wisdom. He instructed Naikeni to go to the "Den of Ancestors" located high on the snowy peaks of the mountains. There, she must reconnect with the ancestors. Only then would she be truly considered the Queen of Hollow Tree Pack. After Telemachus' funeral, Naikeni and Troya left for their journey, entrusting the pack to the former Queen Consort, Ilka.

Their journey took several days, the snow and cold pricking at their pelts as they made their ascent. When they finally reached the peak, they were met with an abundance of blueish gems embedded within the rock and trees. The mouth of a giant cave stood agape, allowing the two wolves to peer into the darkness. The cold wind bit at their skin, as their pelts danced. The whispers of voices belonging to those who have long past filled Naikeni's ears, beckoning her to enter the caves maw. Troya apprehensively allowed the new Queen to enter the maw, promising that she would wait for her once she returned.

For three days Troya waited, cold and hungry as soft snow decorated her pelt. She watched as Naikeni reemerged from the cave, but she looked different. White dusted across her pelt, lightening her features. It seemed as though the spirits have embedded themselves in her fur. Troya gestured towards home, leading the new Queen back to her pack.