Vermillion, a wolf originally from Akela's jungle pack, is Akela's son and Lala's father. His mate was initially Raksha, though later sources identify a wolf named Flower (deceased) as his mate, followed by Sandah. He also adopted a son, Luke.

Before the series, Vermillion competed with Alexander to succeed Akela as leader and mate Luri. He lost the confrontation, resulting in the loss of his right eye. Following defeat, he left the jungle for a rocky desert territory, establishing a new pack and leaving Lala behind.

Vermillion later returned to the jungle with his pack after humans invaded their highland territory, killing wolves including Sandah's sister Dulia. This caused some pack members, notably Sandah, to develop animosity toward humans, which Vermillion did not share. Upon return, Akela sought to retire and proposed Vermillion as the new leader, but Sandah's hostility toward Mowgli complicated the transition.

When the Bandar-Log abducted Mowgli, Vermillion assisted in his rescue, confronting Shere Khan at their temple. He later aided in saving Sandah during her failed attempt to avenge Dulia against human hunters. Believing Mowgli and Bagheera had perished during this incident, Vermillion led his pack away to find safer territory. He promised Lala he would return, unaware his departure caused factionalism within Akela's pack, with some wolves blaming Mowgli.

Later, Mowgli approached Vermillion to lead Akela's pack when threatened by the rogue wolf Grizzle. Vermillion declined, proposing Luri as leader instead – a suggestion Sandah supported. Luri accepted the role with Akela as her advisor. Vermillion was not seen or mentioned afterward.

His character is defined by leadership resilience and adaptability. Despite past conflicts, he cooperated with former rivals for collective survival. His decisions consistently prioritized pack stability, exemplified by his refusal of leadership to avoid reigniting old divisions.