XII. Leader

Valkyrie was already close to regretting taking the mantle of pack leader, corralling these unruly warrior children was an almost Sisyphean task. The Fours were as oft are far too mercurial in their moods, flitting from reckless irreverence to the most dour of dour moods. The insufferable glory hound that was Ajax starved her from a sanctuary from the company in her district. At least Selenite was free from the usual flaws that plague one - vainglory and serpentine tendencies, however, her district partner was their very exemplar. Although, Valkyrie was aware that their shortcomings became hers as a leader - if only they weren't so plentiful.

"Oh, Sel why not let Ardor just take the position of leader?" Valkyrie asked.

"Because you are aware that he has his own head up his ass," Sel replied.

"I know, I know. The pack would crumble under one such as him. But it would make things a lot less…stressful"

"Well, consider me your deputy. I'll help share the burden," Sel said with a small smirk painted across her face.

"And that's a position you appointed yourself, without running it past me first?"

"Do you approve, dear leader?"

"You seem to be the only one who would actually take such a position seriously, I do not have a reason to object."

"You flatter me," Sel replied. "In which case I shall humbly accept."

"And I do need someone to wake up Ajax when he inevitably decides that he wants a lie in."

"Looking forward to it."

A weight had been lifted from Valkyire's shoulders matters organizing would no longer be her burden and fix this already fracturing pack. The next few days would determine if her first major decision as leader would be a success. If the pack held together through the early days of the Games, then she had that she had least a shred of competence. Failure did not bear even fleeting thought. Though if she was to a pack leader worth anything, she would hold the pack together to later days of the Games, which seemed a distant dream considering the current state of things, especially with Ardor's bitterness. He was probably already trying to turn Ajax to his cause, it was not a surprise that they got along well, talking too much about glory and not enough about duty.

"So you're trying to turn Sel against me?" Ardor questioned

"Huh." Valkyrie let slip. She had been so lost in herself that she had not noticed Ardor approaching her.

"I overheard your little chat, declaring her your 'deputy'. Trying to sweeten her up are you."

Valkyrie wanted to punch him and would have if she hadn't been so disciplined. "My intentions bear no hidden motives like you suggest. I'm doing what I think is best for the pack."

"Does what you think is best matter more than what I think is best."

"I am a leader."

"Of course" he sneered. "And what an effective one you're at that. Look at how unified we all are."

"If you are so wise why don't you have a stab at it."

"No. I won't take the position as a gift from you anyway. I'll let the rest of them give to me, even Sel after you prove inadequate."

"I could do without your sabotage. If tears pack apart the outliers won't hesitate for a moment to exploit and then there won't be a pack to lead!" Valkyrie spat.

"Sabotage? You really think so little of me that's your first mistake."

"I don't need your self-importance now, Ardor."

"Self-importance? Well, I do indulge in that a little, but you must not lay faults at everyone else's feet."

"I do not. I know that your failings are mine." Valkyrie stated.

"And what are your failings, dear?"

Those were the last words he said before he sauntered off.

Valkyrie hated that Ardor had somewhat of a point. She cannot blame everything on the faults of others. It was her fault that had not found a way to lessen them yet or perhaps even find uses for them. Four's chimerical nature made them unpredictable and unpredictability was dangerous. It could serve as a great weapon if turned outwards. Whilst she may not like them Ajax and Ardor would make a formidable team, their hunger made them restless hunger. With Sel offering a differing perspective, Valkyrie would turn this pack into a force to be reckoned with.