All of my demons are kicking and screaming but I’ll never leave them behind

As far as Lark was concerned, his siblings were perfect. They didn't have to be good fighters, or skilled healers.. he didn't care about any of that. He knew that a sharp mind could be as destructive as any pair of jaws, and a loyal wolf could be far more useful than anyone, no matter their skills. His brows would pull together tightly as he continued to muse over this, his sea-green gaze following Shrike's.

"I'm sure Finch is tired of me saying this too, but.. just be yourself," he shrugged absently.  "Or talk to dad if you feel like you need some direction. That always helps me."   He thought of the conversation he'd had with his dad about him being a potential heir to Abaven. The thought had never crossed his mind, but now that it had, he found himself dwelling on it.  "I think it's okay to not know, though. I don't know exactly either. I just want to defend my family. Keep them happy and safe."  

The conversation shifted though. Shrike felt weak, and he wondered if they would go to war. He knew the answer to that. His gaze fell to his forepaws before he lifted it again. "You're not weak," he said firmly, a sigh falling from his lips. "And what do you think?" he asked, truly curious as to what Shrike thought. "The wolves of Threar.. some of them were family to us. Do you think dad would let someone take their pack and not try to do something about it?" He didn't think so.. but he hadn't expected a full-out war, either. It wasn't something he'd ever really considered.