When Valko nodded before the elders of his pack, it changed everything.  It was one thing to voice his commitment to her when they were alone, but to do so now, in front of elders that disagreed with him.  It showed he truly felt the same way she did.  What's more, the wolf recognized it more strongly than even Ylva did as he spoke.<br/><br/>This was what it truly meant to be a leader.  He was right, she would be alpha...in many ways she already was, she was simply displaced from her pack.  Perhaps that was why the call to return to them was so strong.  Antony had stolen a pack she was meant to lead and protect and used disgusting tricks and bullying to ensure his hold.  Ylva stepped forward until she stood before vargfader Ilvin.  She kneeled carefully before him and bowed her head, a clear sign of respect.<br/><br/>"Your love for your pack and wish for their safety is admirable, and I do not want you to think we disregard it.  You may see this as interfering, and I cannot alter that perception.  I can only promise you I will do whatever I can within my power to keep the Kriki safe, even if I cannot abandon the Evergreen."  She said gently, before she pressed to stand.  Ylva could not know if the old man would care about her words, but she needed him to know she did not undertake this endeavor or put his pack in danger lightly.<br/><br/>She turned to regard them all.  "I appreciate your wisdom and I am certain Valko does as well.   We will see you at the gathering."<br/><br/>Soft steps led her away from the group, and she reached for Valko's extended hand as she passed him.  For a moment, they walked in silence and she was glad for the short reprieve.  She waited until they were completely out of earshot to speak again.<br/><br/>"You should mark me.  We should complete the mating...."  The words almost felt foreign in her mouth as she said them.  "You are the alpha of the Kriki and I am the rightful alpha of the Evergreen.  It may be what is pulling us apart, but it's also what binds us together.  A love for our people.  A need to see them protected.  I fear if we wait, this need will continue to gnaw at us until we're both driven to either madness or poor judgment.  Our heads need to be clear for whatever comes next..."