When Roan, second Queen of Vaelorn, died without a suitable heir, the pack was thrown into disarray. None of Roan's pups: Wood Waltz, Duster, and Aster, were both eligible for the lead and up to the task. Even worse, Frosted, Wood Waltz' only pup, was unwilling to take the throne. Aspen's lineage had been broken, and a new bloodline would be taking the throne.
The once-close pack was marred by infighting, as none of Aspen's blood, nor any other, had the support of a majority of the pack.