For a brief moment, Ylva had hope.  But as the opinions continued to fall, she realized it might have been foolish.  Even if Ebba agreed, it would have to be a strong argument to sway the other elders and the pack.  Ylva had just about resigned herself to the fact that she would die alone, trying to fight for her pack, when Valko asked Ebba for her opinion.<br/><br/>Ebba arched a brow as Valko regarded her.  Her scrutiny then turned to Ylva, as she looked the young woman up and down.  "Both sides share far views.  We might lose wolves or you in a scuffle with whatever sort of pack Antony has managed to gather, but we are not humans.  We cannot simply bow our heads and say such a thing is not our problem because it does not directly affect us.  Just because he has not come for us yet, doesn't mean he won't.  The Kriki are the strongest pack in the area."<br/><br/>The words rang true, for Ylva at least.  Somehow she did not think Antony's appetite would be satisfied with her pack.  He wanted more and she had heard him say as much on more than one occasion.<br/><br/>"He wishes to be a human king.  Humans do not pass power like we do, it does not fall to those who are strong and fair and have the interest of their people at heart....It falls from father to son.  Antony would have his power fall to his children, who will no doubt not be strong enough to truly lead the pack."  Ylva said, hoping the elders would take the situation more seriously.<br/><br/>Ebba turned back to the other elders.  "Perhaps we should look at this way.  If we do not help, I would assume this young woman is going to try to help her pack regardless, that is why they haven't initiated the mating bond yet, there could be no other reason.  And she will likely die in the attempt.  If Valko is lucky, he might be able to avoid the madness that comes with losing someone he would have shared the mate bond with, and go on to find another mate at some point that is suitable...but not<i>her."  </i>Ebba reasoned.  Elders were often wise in Ylva's pack but they were not always so frank.<br/><br/>"So we weaken our Alpha by refusing to help his mate....And then this trickster may have toppled the other smaller packs in the area before he comes for us.  By that point, I would assume he will have better warriors and perhaps even allies.  This is a wolf hungry for power, I doubt it will stop." Ebba said.<br/><br/>"We must decide if losses now are worth preventing a possible bigger loss in the future.  I think it is a worthy sacrifice."  She finally concluded, looking to the other two elders who had sided against Ylva, to see if their minds had been changed.