Kealdrana Sasaiuni
Smack!
A pair of pink ears flicked to a just as pink furred ******** STOP!”
The cougar grinned at her malevolently as he whacked her in the face once more with his tail. He received a cold glare from the previously snoring figure that lay basking in the mornings sun. She was quite the touchy fellow, though it was all play between the two of them. The two least trustworthy animals that there ever were, sauntering about the world to cause trouble.
An unlikely pair, the two of them. Cougar and pink wolf. Of course, pink wolves were perhaps the most beautiful and brainy of any creature on earth. Even above the marvelous cougars, though Noy was careful not to push the opinion on Yisoka.
“Rise up, sleepy,” Yisoka teased, giving her a tap on the head before rising himself. His reddish coat rained dirt down upon her pristine fur, and he wettened it with his tongue to give her brown smears down her side.
“WHAT THE HELL YISOKA!!!!” Noyama growled and leapt at his neck. The cougar fell back over laughing, in a screeching, scary kind of way. The wolves teeth were hardly a threat to him and she wasn’t biting very hard – his thick coat made sure of it. None the less, the pink princess shook her head side to side vigorously. Noyama’s grip slipped and she felt the ground hit her head as she rolled over backwards.
Once. Twice. Three times over. The earth dug sharply into her skin, but she was able to stick up a nose victoriously, showing a patch of ochre red fur that had once belonged to the cougar. “Planning to build a nest,” he cooed, shaking himself as he sauntered over to a scratching post. Noyama looked at him with a face of fake fury and deliberately spit his hair on the ground, stomping her small paws all about it.
“Would you two cut it out!” came a growl from a less than happy wolf in the near premises. He possessed a mostly dark coat, punctuated by glowing blue designs weaving their way down his back and legs. He was known more commonly as Kiros, and his mood was fowl. After his night with Jori Kara had found him and waged a brutal battle on him. The result was never seeing the blue wolf again, even though he longed to, and he couldn’t discern why. On top of that, he couldn’t stand a lick of cougar, or at least most of it, and the yips and growls coming from both creatures unnerved him.
A pair of pink ears flicked to a just as pink furred ******** STOP!”
The cougar grinned at her malevolently as he whacked her in the face once more with his tail. He received a cold glare from the previously snoring figure that lay basking in the mornings sun. She was quite the touchy fellow, though it was all play between the two of them. The two least trustworthy animals that there ever were, sauntering about the world to cause trouble.
An unlikely pair, the two of them. Cougar and pink wolf. Of course, pink wolves were perhaps the most beautiful and brainy of any creature on earth. Even above the marvelous cougars, though Noy was careful not to push the opinion on Yisoka.
“Rise up, sleepy,” Yisoka teased, giving her a tap on the head before rising himself. His reddish coat rained dirt down upon her pristine fur, and he wettened it with his tongue to give her brown smears down her side.
“WHAT THE HELL YISOKA!!!!” Noyama growled and leapt at his neck. The cougar fell back over laughing, in a screeching, scary kind of way. The wolves teeth were hardly a threat to him and she wasn’t biting very hard – his thick coat made sure of it. None the less, the pink princess shook her head side to side vigorously. Noyama’s grip slipped and she felt the ground hit her head as she rolled over backwards.
Once. Twice. Three times over. The earth dug sharply into her skin, but she was able to stick up a nose victoriously, showing a patch of ochre red fur that had once belonged to the cougar. “Planning to build a nest,” he cooed, shaking himself as he sauntered over to a scratching post. Noyama looked at him with a face of fake fury and deliberately spit his hair on the ground, stomping her small paws all about it.
“Would you two cut it out!” came a growl from a less than happy wolf in the near premises. He possessed a mostly dark coat, punctuated by glowing blue designs weaving their way down his back and legs. He was known more commonly as Kiros, and his mood was fowl. After his night with Jori Kara had found him and waged a brutal battle on him. The result was never seeing the blue wolf again, even though he longed to, and he couldn’t discern why. On top of that, he couldn’t stand a lick of cougar, or at least most of it, and the yips and growls coming from both creatures unnerved him.
Ronove
Leaves dug at her fur, branches caught and scraped on her sore body. The earth and air were cold this morning and they left a stining numbness in her muscles that didn't seem to want to melt, even after traveling a fair distance. Not to mention the absolute exhaustion... the blue female's legs felt like leaden blocks. Every step was an effort...
But it was alright. It would all be alright.
Her breath misted the air in front of her and hung like spun wool for a brief moment before dissapating. Sunlight poured down from between the thick tree branches, dappling the path before her.
Somehow none of the pain bothered her. Because the cause of her suffering was more than worth it. Exhaustion may have numbed her body, but not her mind or her heart. The world was bright, sparkling, alive. A joy more profound than any she had known filled her today.
She slowed her pace a little to make up for tiny legs, watching carefully as her pups toddled forwards. They would never know pain as she had known it, never know the loneliness she had felt. She wouldn't make the same mistake as her parents had. A fierce love consumed her then. A determination to survive for them, to protect them no matter the cost...
Jori wagged her tail and nudged the two forwards. Alone with them, and she could forget Kara's hurt expression... forget her own torn emotions. Life might never be the same, but she wouldn't give them up for the world.
* * *
Ah, there!
Sade readied himself, ears pricked and muscles tense. He was hidden, deep in the loam, prey helpless before him and -
A soft nudge on his backside and he was propelled forwards. The grasshopper, startled by this sudden movement, lept away in a flurry of wings and legs. And it had looked so good too! He was hungry!
"Awww, Mommma..."
He cast a baleful glance up at the blue gamma but obediently trotted forwards to catch up to his sister. He keep his orange eyes focused on the world around him, taking in everything in his sights with an unending curiosity.
And, just in case, he kept an eye out for another tasty snack along the way...
Kealdrana Sasaiuni
Noyama snapped a look at Kiros. It wasn’t a very kind glance, and it was one that hold him he better shut his trap and behave. The teen rolled her eyes and mumbled beneath her breath. “Damn blue wolves. . .” Her good fun mood was spoiled, and she stomped off in a huff, refusing to speak to the either of them. In past years she would have lectured to them about her figure, smarts, and need for respect, but she was on the brink of adulthood and she didn’t feel like wasting that much energy explaining the obvious to the male’s pathetic eyes.
She didn’t understand why Yisoka let him hang around. In fact, it might even be considered a bit of jealously on her part, but she’d never admit to it. Granted, Kiros wasn’t completely blue, but he did have a fair amount decorating his body. But his eyes! They were the demons of the world themselves. The creatures that howled in the winds during the storms, keeping her up at night. When she looked at them, she saw her failures, and the death of her sister, vivid in her eyes. She could still see the light dancing patterns across her fur.
That was all the recollection she had of the event, and that was all she wished to remember. She had been so very young when it happened, and she thought now it was perhaps a story she made up just to show she sacrificed something in the world. Her teeth gritted together a bit, and she stumbled lightly on a stick. Pick up your head.
She lifted it high and let out a blood curdling scream.
“THEY’RE TAKING OVER THE WORLD!!!!”
The cougar’s ears snapped forward, his muscles tensing, ears flashing with anger. A hoarse growl came from deep within his esophagus, and he shot an eye towards Kiros. “If you lead her here,” he voiced. Far below him, looking up in disdain, Kiros’ double-colored eyes washed over in fear. A whimper escaped his throat. Kara wouldn’t come, besides she didn’t even know the pink wolf, why would she?
A hard lump formed in his throat, followed by the prickle of fear as his fur raised on the nape of his neck. If Kara was enraged, and Noy started babbling. Oh no. The fear grew wider and folded into a pure look of terror. No, no, no. She wouldn’t. Kara was no murderer. But she was female.
“You caused it,” the cougar began again, his claws flexing. The white bone dug into the bark, emitting a loud screech as he pulled slowly backwards. “Go fix it.”
The lone nodded, unable to speak. What he feared most was the cougar’s calmness about the whole event. He didn’t seem angry, happy, perturbed. There was absolutely nothing. Kiros, of course, did not know exactly what the cat had said. He hadn’t ever been adept at the language, but he caught go, and fix. A snarl from the cat caused him to jump and dart off through the trees.
Pavati had her nose stuck in a hole. She wasn’t sure what was there, but it smelled different and interesting. Besides that, her feet were sore, her ears were sore, and her tongue hurt. That may have been from all the salty rocks she had been stopping to groom, but it didn’t much matter to her. Her weary body tensed as she heard her brother yip in protest. Alarmed, she jerked her head up, mound of dirt and all.
The brown substance made her nose feel strange. She wrinkled it, but the tingling continued. A small wail of agitation escaped her throat before she began sneezing and rubbing it vigorously against her leg. She was well behind mother and brother when she heard a slight crashing in the trees. Finding nothing better to do she sat down, titling her head to the left as she watched the foliage ruffle in strange patterns.
A few moments later a blur of pink and grey shot out from the vibrating green. Pavati gave a shriek of half delight and half shock, slinking back to get away from the scary figure streaking by. No sooner had she finished her panic than the teen wolf had stopped to gawk at the other. She saw it open its maw as if to say something like mother and brother often did, but it seemed to catch sight of something. Pavati turned her head around to see just what it was, but all she could make out was mother and brother.
That’s when the blood curdling scream struck her ears.
She didn’t understand why Yisoka let him hang around. In fact, it might even be considered a bit of jealously on her part, but she’d never admit to it. Granted, Kiros wasn’t completely blue, but he did have a fair amount decorating his body. But his eyes! They were the demons of the world themselves. The creatures that howled in the winds during the storms, keeping her up at night. When she looked at them, she saw her failures, and the death of her sister, vivid in her eyes. She could still see the light dancing patterns across her fur.
That was all the recollection she had of the event, and that was all she wished to remember. She had been so very young when it happened, and she thought now it was perhaps a story she made up just to show she sacrificed something in the world. Her teeth gritted together a bit, and she stumbled lightly on a stick. Pick up your head.
She lifted it high and let out a blood curdling scream.
“THEY’RE TAKING OVER THE WORLD!!!!”
The cougar’s ears snapped forward, his muscles tensing, ears flashing with anger. A hoarse growl came from deep within his esophagus, and he shot an eye towards Kiros. “If you lead her here,” he voiced. Far below him, looking up in disdain, Kiros’ double-colored eyes washed over in fear. A whimper escaped his throat. Kara wouldn’t come, besides she didn’t even know the pink wolf, why would she?
A hard lump formed in his throat, followed by the prickle of fear as his fur raised on the nape of his neck. If Kara was enraged, and Noy started babbling. Oh no. The fear grew wider and folded into a pure look of terror. No, no, no. She wouldn’t. Kara was no murderer. But she was female.
“You caused it,” the cougar began again, his claws flexing. The white bone dug into the bark, emitting a loud screech as he pulled slowly backwards. “Go fix it.”
The lone nodded, unable to speak. What he feared most was the cougar’s calmness about the whole event. He didn’t seem angry, happy, perturbed. There was absolutely nothing. Kiros, of course, did not know exactly what the cat had said. He hadn’t ever been adept at the language, but he caught go, and fix. A snarl from the cat caused him to jump and dart off through the trees.
Pavati had her nose stuck in a hole. She wasn’t sure what was there, but it smelled different and interesting. Besides that, her feet were sore, her ears were sore, and her tongue hurt. That may have been from all the salty rocks she had been stopping to groom, but it didn’t much matter to her. Her weary body tensed as she heard her brother yip in protest. Alarmed, she jerked her head up, mound of dirt and all.
The brown substance made her nose feel strange. She wrinkled it, but the tingling continued. A small wail of agitation escaped her throat before she began sneezing and rubbing it vigorously against her leg. She was well behind mother and brother when she heard a slight crashing in the trees. Finding nothing better to do she sat down, titling her head to the left as she watched the foliage ruffle in strange patterns.
A few moments later a blur of pink and grey shot out from the vibrating green. Pavati gave a shriek of half delight and half shock, slinking back to get away from the scary figure streaking by. No sooner had she finished her panic than the teen wolf had stopped to gawk at the other. She saw it open its maw as if to say something like mother and brother often did, but it seemed to catch sight of something. Pavati turned her head around to see just what it was, but all she could make out was mother and brother.
That’s when the blood curdling scream struck her ears.
Ronove
Jori padded along silently, content to listen to the sounds of the forest around her. The wind through the trees, the rustle of her tired feet against a carpet of dry leaves, and louder, clumsier movements from her babies. Sade trotted contently at her side, happily stumbling his way through the undergrowth. Pavati was easy to spot, a little ways off, nose stuck in the ground. Poor girl, her blue coat would be a dead givaway in the winter. At least Sade had his father's 'natural' colors...
"Keep up, Pavati." The blue called back, tail wagging slowly. Jori hated to drag them all this way, but she didn't know what else to do... she had to see him, and she wouldn't dare leave them behind.
A faint rustling in the undergrowth caught her attention, and she flicked an ear back. It was growing louder, heading straight towards them. Fear swelled in her heart, although her common sense told her it was nothing more than a deer. Heart in her throat, she turned just in time to see a grey-pink form shoot out in front of Pavati.
Pavati shrieked, and that was all she needed to hear. With a speed that suprised even herself she snatched up Sade and sprinted back, skidding to a halt in front of her daughter.
"Pavati, get behind me." Her voice was soft, so as not to fighten her pups. "Sade, take care of your sister."
Teeth bared, tail up, the small blue looked the stranger in the eyes and dared her to make a move.
* * *
Sade tripped across a small branch and went down in a blur of scrambling legs. Not that he minded much, of course. He layed sprawled for a moment on the ground, small tongue lolling, then tottered back to his feet. Dirt clung to his fur and partially covered the green patterns that wove their way across his back.
It felt nice, and cool on his hot body.
With a sigh of happiness the pup flopped down on the side of the path. Momma wasn't paying attention anyways, she was staring at Pav'ti. Sade grinned happily and wagged his short tail. She wouldn't notice now when he rolled in the muck...
Rustling nearby distracted the pup, and he stared intently at the moving tree. He didn't know they moved! How peculiar, this part of the forest was. This warrented further investigation for certain. However, he'd barely started forwards on his own paws when his mother snatched him up.
He gave a indignant squeak of suprise, legs flailing uselessly. "Putmedowndowndowndown-"
Oof. He glanced up and immediatly shrank back from the strange wolf that stood in front of them. He huddled against his sister, trying to keep her back with his body.
"Keep up, Pavati." The blue called back, tail wagging slowly. Jori hated to drag them all this way, but she didn't know what else to do... she had to see him, and she wouldn't dare leave them behind.
A faint rustling in the undergrowth caught her attention, and she flicked an ear back. It was growing louder, heading straight towards them. Fear swelled in her heart, although her common sense told her it was nothing more than a deer. Heart in her throat, she turned just in time to see a grey-pink form shoot out in front of Pavati.
Pavati shrieked, and that was all she needed to hear. With a speed that suprised even herself she snatched up Sade and sprinted back, skidding to a halt in front of her daughter.
"Pavati, get behind me." Her voice was soft, so as not to fighten her pups. "Sade, take care of your sister."
Teeth bared, tail up, the small blue looked the stranger in the eyes and dared her to make a move.
* * *
Sade tripped across a small branch and went down in a blur of scrambling legs. Not that he minded much, of course. He layed sprawled for a moment on the ground, small tongue lolling, then tottered back to his feet. Dirt clung to his fur and partially covered the green patterns that wove their way across his back.
It felt nice, and cool on his hot body.
With a sigh of happiness the pup flopped down on the side of the path. Momma wasn't paying attention anyways, she was staring at Pav'ti. Sade grinned happily and wagged his short tail. She wouldn't notice now when he rolled in the muck...
Rustling nearby distracted the pup, and he stared intently at the moving tree. He didn't know they moved! How peculiar, this part of the forest was. This warrented further investigation for certain. However, he'd barely started forwards on his own paws when his mother snatched him up.
He gave a indignant squeak of suprise, legs flailing uselessly. "Putmedowndowndowndown-"
Oof. He glanced up and immediatly shrank back from the strange wolf that stood in front of them. He huddled against his sister, trying to keep her back with his body.
Kealdrana Sasaiuni
Pavati was perfectly content to be shoved out of the way by mother. She didn’t like the way this stranger yowled about nothing. What was taking over the world? She shook her head, and strained her neck to get a better view of the ranting youth. Granted, she was much taller and older than she, but it didn’t seem so much.
A small grumble came from above and she cringed as she looked up. There, dangling above her head was her strange and crazy brother. His name was bug eater, for that’s what he did all the time. “Hush B.E.,” she said quietly, her head tilting to the side so she could just see the newcomers grey feet through Jori’s legs.
The pink thing didn’t appear to be phased much by the blue wolf, in fact she went right on ranting about this, that and another. Someone must have not told her about fear. Her parents would have to have been very bad ones. She barked roughly at the newcomer, just as her brother was dropped near her head. Her small blue legs pedaled backwards to avoid being squished, but it was no use, brother had blocked her view of the incident, all she could hear was yelling coupled with the stained hide of bug eater.
“I swear!” Pavati could hear the teen yap. “You blue wolves multiply in SWARMS! Worse than rabbits!”
No doubt Noyama would have been in for a severe beating from Jori had the bush not start to vibrate again. Pavati could not see it, but she could hear those leaves quivering and her tail began to thump in extreme excitement. She couldn’t wait to see what new exciting things popped through the bush. With mother here protecting her, it was most definitely safe.
None other than Kiros the ‘oh so valiant’ came bursting through the bushes. His mouth literally dropped when he saw Jori. It probably would have fallen right off her body weren’t blocking the two smaller figures behind her.
“Pink wolf,” he spoke softly. He didn’t yet know her name. He never cared to ask, nor, he assumed, did she car to give it.
“Blue wolf!” she snapped in return, whipping her body around in a flurry. “You’ve brought more of your kind here! And when you all die in 2 years I don’t want to pick up after your smelly bodies!” She stuck up her nose and trotted a little way away to sit down and watch. While she hated them, she had never seen two blue wolves together before, and the thought was intriguing.
A small grumble came from above and she cringed as she looked up. There, dangling above her head was her strange and crazy brother. His name was bug eater, for that’s what he did all the time. “Hush B.E.,” she said quietly, her head tilting to the side so she could just see the newcomers grey feet through Jori’s legs.
The pink thing didn’t appear to be phased much by the blue wolf, in fact she went right on ranting about this, that and another. Someone must have not told her about fear. Her parents would have to have been very bad ones. She barked roughly at the newcomer, just as her brother was dropped near her head. Her small blue legs pedaled backwards to avoid being squished, but it was no use, brother had blocked her view of the incident, all she could hear was yelling coupled with the stained hide of bug eater.
“I swear!” Pavati could hear the teen yap. “You blue wolves multiply in SWARMS! Worse than rabbits!”
No doubt Noyama would have been in for a severe beating from Jori had the bush not start to vibrate again. Pavati could not see it, but she could hear those leaves quivering and her tail began to thump in extreme excitement. She couldn’t wait to see what new exciting things popped through the bush. With mother here protecting her, it was most definitely safe.
None other than Kiros the ‘oh so valiant’ came bursting through the bushes. His mouth literally dropped when he saw Jori. It probably would have fallen right off her body weren’t blocking the two smaller figures behind her.
“Pink wolf,” he spoke softly. He didn’t yet know her name. He never cared to ask, nor, he assumed, did she car to give it.
“Blue wolf!” she snapped in return, whipping her body around in a flurry. “You’ve brought more of your kind here! And when you all die in 2 years I don’t want to pick up after your smelly bodies!” She stuck up her nose and trotted a little way away to sit down and watch. While she hated them, she had never seen two blue wolves together before, and the thought was intriguing.
Ronove
Sade squished his sister back further, partly to hide her from the loud pink stranger, and partly as punishment for calling him B.E.. Not that he particularily minded, of course. It was a good title, proving him to be a good hunter. But he couldn't let his sister think that! It would take all the fun out of it.
"Shh, Pav'ti. This is all your fault." He peered around Momma's blue legs, just enough to catch a glimpse of grey paws and pink fur. "If you'da stayed with me n' momma, that pink thing wouldn't have tried to eat you." Because surely that's what she was going to do. Not anymore though! Momma would protect them. But he was kind of confused. The youth kept yelling nonsense about blue wolves and... and what was wrong with that? Sade was shamed that he didn't have any blue! Everyone in his family had blue on them (well, maybe not his father, but Sade didn't know him) and they were pretty! In fact, if it was up to him, it would be pink that was strange.
Yes, pink was the ugly, bad color! Blue was special and perfect. Someday Sade would turn blue, when he had proved himself to his family. But for now he would be grey, and he would protect them.
The bushes next to them began to shake and twitch again, as though trying to rip free of the earth. Sade stared at them, ready to pounce on whatever emerged, tiny body crouched--
A startled cry came from his throat instead and he stumbled backwards. A huge wolf! Bigger than Momma! He wanted to hide, but he couldn't. Pav'ti wagged her tail behind him, and he grimaced. Couldn't she see that this was serious? Mustering up his courage, the small pup tottered up next to his mother and lent her his support. His small tail was raised in defiance as he barked furiously at these intruders.
Jori was slightly taken aback. She had expected an attack, an attempt on her pup's lives, something... but not this. This kid was complaining about blue wolves? A shiver of apprehension made its way down her spine but she supressed it. A deep breath to regain her composure, to consider her options.
But... what was wrong with blue? Nothing! A silent snarl crossed her muzzle. Nothing was wrong with it! It was beautiful, and it was natural. It was the color of the sky and the water, of flowers in the woods. And Jori certainly wouldn't let her daughter be influenced by a stupid pink imbecile. At least Leu had a somewhat understandable reason for his hatred of colors. This was ridiculous, and she wouldn't let it bother her!
"Something wrong with us, puppy?" She sneered, her lip lifting up to reveal bright white teeth. "I can make sure you don't see another --"
Kiros stepped onto the path, expression slightly abashed, and her words just dried up. For a moment all she could feel was a flash of cool, weakening relief. But that emotion was quickly lost in a jumble of thoughts and feelings. Suddenly she was desperate to get away. No confrontation, no questions asked. For so long she'd thought of what could be, what might be, but now that she was staring him in the face all her hopes fled. Jori's ears flattened in what might have been despair. She opened her mouth to tell him off, to yell at him, to plead with him - anything to get him to leave before he saw Sade and Pavati.
"Kiros, I --"
A brush of soft fuzz against her leg was the only warning she had. Before she could stop him. Sade had tottered forwards on unsteady legs, in clear view of both Kiros and the pink teen.
"Shh, Pav'ti. This is all your fault." He peered around Momma's blue legs, just enough to catch a glimpse of grey paws and pink fur. "If you'da stayed with me n' momma, that pink thing wouldn't have tried to eat you." Because surely that's what she was going to do. Not anymore though! Momma would protect them. But he was kind of confused. The youth kept yelling nonsense about blue wolves and... and what was wrong with that? Sade was shamed that he didn't have any blue! Everyone in his family had blue on them (well, maybe not his father, but Sade didn't know him) and they were pretty! In fact, if it was up to him, it would be pink that was strange.
Yes, pink was the ugly, bad color! Blue was special and perfect. Someday Sade would turn blue, when he had proved himself to his family. But for now he would be grey, and he would protect them.
The bushes next to them began to shake and twitch again, as though trying to rip free of the earth. Sade stared at them, ready to pounce on whatever emerged, tiny body crouched--
A startled cry came from his throat instead and he stumbled backwards. A huge wolf! Bigger than Momma! He wanted to hide, but he couldn't. Pav'ti wagged her tail behind him, and he grimaced. Couldn't she see that this was serious? Mustering up his courage, the small pup tottered up next to his mother and lent her his support. His small tail was raised in defiance as he barked furiously at these intruders.
Jori was slightly taken aback. She had expected an attack, an attempt on her pup's lives, something... but not this. This kid was complaining about blue wolves? A shiver of apprehension made its way down her spine but she supressed it. A deep breath to regain her composure, to consider her options.
But... what was wrong with blue? Nothing! A silent snarl crossed her muzzle. Nothing was wrong with it! It was beautiful, and it was natural. It was the color of the sky and the water, of flowers in the woods. And Jori certainly wouldn't let her daughter be influenced by a stupid pink imbecile. At least Leu had a somewhat understandable reason for his hatred of colors. This was ridiculous, and she wouldn't let it bother her!
"Something wrong with us, puppy?" She sneered, her lip lifting up to reveal bright white teeth. "I can make sure you don't see another --"
Kiros stepped onto the path, expression slightly abashed, and her words just dried up. For a moment all she could feel was a flash of cool, weakening relief. But that emotion was quickly lost in a jumble of thoughts and feelings. Suddenly she was desperate to get away. No confrontation, no questions asked. For so long she'd thought of what could be, what might be, but now that she was staring him in the face all her hopes fled. Jori's ears flattened in what might have been despair. She opened her mouth to tell him off, to yell at him, to plead with him - anything to get him to leave before he saw Sade and Pavati.
"Kiros, I --"
A brush of soft fuzz against her leg was the only warning she had. Before she could stop him. Sade had tottered forwards on unsteady legs, in clear view of both Kiros and the pink teen.
Kealdrana Sasaiuni
Pavati sneezed as her brother’s soft fur warmed her side. He kept pushing her back, and she found it more than a bit rude. A small puppy scowl came across her face, but that was the extent of her protest. Her ears perked up at the sound of his sweet voice – coupled with his sweet cinnamon smell. Yes, this was family. She wasn’t sure what was her fault, but she kept her head tilted to show she was very interested in what her brethren had to say.
Oh. That’s what was wrong. She thumped her tail lightly on the ground and shoved her muzzle towards her bug eater, delivering a sharp lick onto his nose. He was a good little brother, and he would always be there to protect her when times got rough. For now she was more than content to let him do it. The thought made her end beat a little faster on the forest loam. She barely heard the pink’s rants she was so absorbed in her family’s presence. She wouldn’t have understood it, besides, she had no knowledge of colors. To her, everything was the same eerie shade, and she relied mostly on smell. For this purpose she often walked with her eyes closed, trying to discover what it was like to be a blind wolf. Smell and sound were two components she desperately tried to strengthen, for she felt them the most important tools in life.
When Sade moved it was all the motivation that Pavati needed. Her eyes shut to the world, ears trained alert, and nose snuffling about to try and pick up on every single detail. She saw images through her nose, smells bringing vivid images and memories to her mind. It made her body shudder with glee, and a bit with fear, but it also told her to move forwards. Her tail flicking from side to side, she trudged forwards to join brother. The male newcomer that arrived smelled strange. It was a mixed smell of pain, love, and indecision, but mostly it screamed betrayal. She gave a small sniff towards mother, much of the same qualities. There was something vaguely familiar about it as well. It felt like he was half of her, that his scents collided with hers in several aspects.
Curious she curled her tail under her body submissively and slunk forwards. Her head was low, but titled up to get a view of this oddly smelling wolf. Her eyes were still closed, and she knew to halt only by the tickling off fur against her whiskers. Again with the wagging of tail. It was only then that she opened her eyes to gaze at the figure. Her mind saw an explosion of colors, blues, reds, blacks, whites, greys, there were just too many. Consequently her jaw dropped and he didn’t think to close it. “Half of me,” she said to it, and licked the tall wolf’s paw, for that was the only thing she could reach.
Kiros glared vehemently at the priss of a pink creature. What she said was nonsense; he certainly didn’t plan on dying anytime soon. His irritated emotions, however, were overridden by the sight of Jori. His raised fur had flattened into their normal position, and his ears flicked from forwards to aft, tail dropping slowly in submissive shock.
He hadn’t expected to see her here, ever. In fact, he assumed after Kara cast him out, chasing and biting at his heels in her fury of fire, that Jori would have forgotten about him. It hurt him more than anything to see her come here, but his heart still fluttered with joy at the sight of her. It wasn’t right, if Kara found out, she would be furious with Jori, he had to send her back, and quickly, before the red alpha discovered the blue’s absence.
He opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden light barking interrupted the beginning of his sentence. His eyes widened at the sight of the pup and he could feel a lump start to form in his throat. Kiros tried desperately to swallow it, and say something, but there was nothing but the cottonmouth taste from running to ‘save’ the pink wolf. He blinked twice, not wishing to admit that it was in fact a son of his that now defied him. But there was no mistaking those markings – they were far too much his to be anything else.
“Jori,” was all he could manage to say before a second pup came flaunting about its mother. If his eyes could have widened anymore, they would have. He remained on the edge of shock and anger, but there was something else beneath those two emotions, and it was growing stronger.
When the pup licked his paws it came pumping through his blood like a sweet rush. His whole body seemed to melt beneath the tongue of that vibrant blue coat. His tail raised a little and moved slightly to the side. As he rose to look Jori in the eyes it had risen to back level and was swinging wildly.
“Oh, Jori!” he announced gleefully, jumping up to show his excitement. He was careful not to squish his daughter in the process. “We have children!” The statement was simply to much for him, he bounded over to his ‘mate’, traveling in a circle around her. She looked a bit warn, but still more beautiful than ever, and their son and daughter, so brave! The playful energy in his system grew, and he gave Jori a light n** before doing a few more loops around her.
Oh. That’s what was wrong. She thumped her tail lightly on the ground and shoved her muzzle towards her bug eater, delivering a sharp lick onto his nose. He was a good little brother, and he would always be there to protect her when times got rough. For now she was more than content to let him do it. The thought made her end beat a little faster on the forest loam. She barely heard the pink’s rants she was so absorbed in her family’s presence. She wouldn’t have understood it, besides, she had no knowledge of colors. To her, everything was the same eerie shade, and she relied mostly on smell. For this purpose she often walked with her eyes closed, trying to discover what it was like to be a blind wolf. Smell and sound were two components she desperately tried to strengthen, for she felt them the most important tools in life.
When Sade moved it was all the motivation that Pavati needed. Her eyes shut to the world, ears trained alert, and nose snuffling about to try and pick up on every single detail. She saw images through her nose, smells bringing vivid images and memories to her mind. It made her body shudder with glee, and a bit with fear, but it also told her to move forwards. Her tail flicking from side to side, she trudged forwards to join brother. The male newcomer that arrived smelled strange. It was a mixed smell of pain, love, and indecision, but mostly it screamed betrayal. She gave a small sniff towards mother, much of the same qualities. There was something vaguely familiar about it as well. It felt like he was half of her, that his scents collided with hers in several aspects.
Curious she curled her tail under her body submissively and slunk forwards. Her head was low, but titled up to get a view of this oddly smelling wolf. Her eyes were still closed, and she knew to halt only by the tickling off fur against her whiskers. Again with the wagging of tail. It was only then that she opened her eyes to gaze at the figure. Her mind saw an explosion of colors, blues, reds, blacks, whites, greys, there were just too many. Consequently her jaw dropped and he didn’t think to close it. “Half of me,” she said to it, and licked the tall wolf’s paw, for that was the only thing she could reach.
Kiros glared vehemently at the priss of a pink creature. What she said was nonsense; he certainly didn’t plan on dying anytime soon. His irritated emotions, however, were overridden by the sight of Jori. His raised fur had flattened into their normal position, and his ears flicked from forwards to aft, tail dropping slowly in submissive shock.
He hadn’t expected to see her here, ever. In fact, he assumed after Kara cast him out, chasing and biting at his heels in her fury of fire, that Jori would have forgotten about him. It hurt him more than anything to see her come here, but his heart still fluttered with joy at the sight of her. It wasn’t right, if Kara found out, she would be furious with Jori, he had to send her back, and quickly, before the red alpha discovered the blue’s absence.
He opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden light barking interrupted the beginning of his sentence. His eyes widened at the sight of the pup and he could feel a lump start to form in his throat. Kiros tried desperately to swallow it, and say something, but there was nothing but the cottonmouth taste from running to ‘save’ the pink wolf. He blinked twice, not wishing to admit that it was in fact a son of his that now defied him. But there was no mistaking those markings – they were far too much his to be anything else.
“Jori,” was all he could manage to say before a second pup came flaunting about its mother. If his eyes could have widened anymore, they would have. He remained on the edge of shock and anger, but there was something else beneath those two emotions, and it was growing stronger.
When the pup licked his paws it came pumping through his blood like a sweet rush. His whole body seemed to melt beneath the tongue of that vibrant blue coat. His tail raised a little and moved slightly to the side. As he rose to look Jori in the eyes it had risen to back level and was swinging wildly.
“Oh, Jori!” he announced gleefully, jumping up to show his excitement. He was careful not to squish his daughter in the process. “We have children!” The statement was simply to much for him, he bounded over to his ‘mate’, traveling in a circle around her. She looked a bit warn, but still more beautiful than ever, and their son and daughter, so brave! The playful energy in his system grew, and he gave Jori a light n** before doing a few more loops around her.
Ronove
With a squeak Sade scrambled backwards and out of the way of the approaching wolf. His heart beat fast against his ribs as he made a mad dash towards his sister. She was always getting into trouble! And he was certain, somehow, that someday he wouldn't be there to protect her. Although he didn't understand death, he understood pain. Sade nuzzled her clumsily. Her whiskers tickled his nose and he sneezed violently, rocking himself back on his haunches.
He managed a glare at Pavati, but it was somewhat ruined by the twitching of his nose.
"Stupid sister! He could have eaten you." But his tone was more worried than angry. Sade's ears flickered in confusion as he watched the other adult, choosing to stand rather than sit. His tail drooped slightly, posture uncertain.
This newcomer was blue too, and even Sade could recognize the markings on his back as his own.
He... was happy? Jori managed to keep her jaw from dropping, but couldn't keep the shock from registering on her features. The small blue had been so sure he would leave, be disgusted, act like... well, like her father had with her and her siblings.
But he was glad... she mulled the thought over in her head, taking time to understand it's implications. They could raise Sade and Pavati together. She wouldn't have to be alone in this! Jori raised her green eyes to meet Kiros' and gave a slightly wry grin.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." The response was weak at best, but it was out before she could stop it.
Although she had to admit, she'd been a bit suprised when she'd begun to show signs of being pregnant. After all, it had only been one night... She sat back on her haunches, keeping a watchful eye on the two pups. Kiros might have had the energy to bound in circles, but these past few weeks had been more than trying for her.
She would, however, try for a nuzzle once he settled down. Her tail began to beat a steady pattern on the forest floor, increasing slowly in time with her thoughts. A family! It could be just what she'd never had before...
"The blue girl is Pavati, and the grey boy is Sade."
And poor Sade was looking a little nonplussed at the moment. Jori pulled herself to her feet and padded tiredly over to her pups.
"It's alright." She nuzzled them affectionately, then turned back to Kiros. "This is your father."
He managed a glare at Pavati, but it was somewhat ruined by the twitching of his nose.
"Stupid sister! He could have eaten you." But his tone was more worried than angry. Sade's ears flickered in confusion as he watched the other adult, choosing to stand rather than sit. His tail drooped slightly, posture uncertain.
This newcomer was blue too, and even Sade could recognize the markings on his back as his own.
He... was happy? Jori managed to keep her jaw from dropping, but couldn't keep the shock from registering on her features. The small blue had been so sure he would leave, be disgusted, act like... well, like her father had with her and her siblings.
But he was glad... she mulled the thought over in her head, taking time to understand it's implications. They could raise Sade and Pavati together. She wouldn't have to be alone in this! Jori raised her green eyes to meet Kiros' and gave a slightly wry grin.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." The response was weak at best, but it was out before she could stop it.
Although she had to admit, she'd been a bit suprised when she'd begun to show signs of being pregnant. After all, it had only been one night... She sat back on her haunches, keeping a watchful eye on the two pups. Kiros might have had the energy to bound in circles, but these past few weeks had been more than trying for her.
She would, however, try for a nuzzle once he settled down. Her tail began to beat a steady pattern on the forest floor, increasing slowly in time with her thoughts. A family! It could be just what she'd never had before...
"The blue girl is Pavati, and the grey boy is Sade."
And poor Sade was looking a little nonplussed at the moment. Jori pulled herself to her feet and padded tiredly over to her pups.
"It's alright." She nuzzled them affectionately, then turned back to Kiros. "This is your father."
Kealdrana Sasaiuni
All the joy that Kiros had felt was quickly washed away from his face. It wasn't Noy, mumbling about how corny this was, or Yisoka, who could just be barely heard in the bushes. It was a memory of his past, and how it would always come back to haunt him. He smiled lightly, but that was all he could manage, for the sickening feeling in his throat wouldn't let him do elsewise.
"Jori," he whispered, suddenly unable to look at the pups. "I can't support you and two pups." Two lone wolves couln't take care of two rambonxious and hungry animals. Plus, he had a past weighted on his shoulders, that would fover bring him down. He feared for the children's safety in the world he currently lived in. He still had things to do for Meskeet afterall. Besides that, there was the cougar, which the pups should learn to fear, not find companionship with. Noyama wouldn't treat them well, and everyone knew that she wouldn't hesitate to kill Pavati if Noyama deemed she'd lived too long.
No, Jori needed a good, solid pack. One with members in it already that would protect her at all costs. A loyal pack. That pack was Kara's. He knew that wolf well, to well sometimes. He knew she'd take Jori back, even with pups. It was Kiros she despised, with more passion than any creature he had ever known. The prospect of having pups to raise would probably overjoy the alpha - and Jori had done so well there. She seemed so confident in their midst, unlike the shyness she felt here.
"I'll take you back in the morning after you've rested." He shook his head and sight bitterly. He didn't want to leave them, seem like he was abandonning them, but there was little choice in the matter. It was the for the good of his offspring and Jori as well. Kiros just had to remember that he wasn't abandoning them, simply giving them a better life. Perhaps he could visit. . .
"How touching," came a sharp laughter from behind them. It came from Kara, looking a little more sadistic than she knew Kiros would have liked. Her maw was pulled back into one of her typical un-wolflike grins, tail held high. Behind her a cougar flicked its tail absently, lying on the soft forest loam.
"She was looking for you, Kiros," the cat said. "I figured I'd help." Kiros didn't register the growls, but Noyama was there, and she translated in a hurry. This was all very interesting for her. "You blue wolves always get your just deserts," she chuckled loudly, rising and trotting over to Pavati. "Wonder what little blue-face here would do if I snapped her neck?" Noyama gave a hard stare towards Jori, daring her to stop her.
"Don't touch her Noy." Kara's voice was stern and demanding. Noyama smirked, but made no further attempt at the pup. "Jori," she spoke, her eyes alight with fire. Forgiveness was not in the red's nature. She lived by the rules of kill, or be killed. She could never forgive Jori for 'betraying' her, but she also knew that love was love. Jori should have had a little self control, but the pups had no knowledge of their parents lives. They could be pardonned.
Growling at Jori she slunk forwards and locked her jaws around the scruff of Pavati's neck, lifting her off the ground. "Noyama, Sade." The pink wolf cocked an eyebrow, it was clear that the red didn't trust her with the almost all blue pup.
"Come here green thing," she said, wrinkling her nose and motioning to her side. She had no want to put a filthy youth into her mouth.
"Jori, I suggest you follow," Kara spat, and turned tail, Pavati not even trying to resist the 'kidnapping.'
Pavati could smell the fear in poor 'Half of Me'. She wagged her tail at him as she passed, her body dangling far from the ground. He would be okay, she told him with her eyes. They were safe with Thinks Like Fire. Besides, Bug Eater would protect them, so it would all be okay. Mother was coming with, and dad would stay here, and do what he needed to do. He could take care of mother and son later.
"Kara!" the voice caused Pavati to try turn to see what he was doing. The giant red head above her swiveled. The pup couldn't make out any emotion in Burns like Fire, but she could feel the tensing of muscles beneath her, which must have meant anger.
"Speak," the red growled, still holding Pavati sharply in her mouth.
"They are my brood." It was true, Pavati thought, father needed to raise them under his influence. She didn't want to lose 'Half of Me', and she hoped the red would pardon.
"A month, stay far, far away. Then, perhaps, I'll forgive you." The world blurred again as the red turned her head back and made forward progress.
"Jori," he whispered, suddenly unable to look at the pups. "I can't support you and two pups." Two lone wolves couln't take care of two rambonxious and hungry animals. Plus, he had a past weighted on his shoulders, that would fover bring him down. He feared for the children's safety in the world he currently lived in. He still had things to do for Meskeet afterall. Besides that, there was the cougar, which the pups should learn to fear, not find companionship with. Noyama wouldn't treat them well, and everyone knew that she wouldn't hesitate to kill Pavati if Noyama deemed she'd lived too long.
No, Jori needed a good, solid pack. One with members in it already that would protect her at all costs. A loyal pack. That pack was Kara's. He knew that wolf well, to well sometimes. He knew she'd take Jori back, even with pups. It was Kiros she despised, with more passion than any creature he had ever known. The prospect of having pups to raise would probably overjoy the alpha - and Jori had done so well there. She seemed so confident in their midst, unlike the shyness she felt here.
"I'll take you back in the morning after you've rested." He shook his head and sight bitterly. He didn't want to leave them, seem like he was abandonning them, but there was little choice in the matter. It was the for the good of his offspring and Jori as well. Kiros just had to remember that he wasn't abandoning them, simply giving them a better life. Perhaps he could visit. . .
"How touching," came a sharp laughter from behind them. It came from Kara, looking a little more sadistic than she knew Kiros would have liked. Her maw was pulled back into one of her typical un-wolflike grins, tail held high. Behind her a cougar flicked its tail absently, lying on the soft forest loam.
"She was looking for you, Kiros," the cat said. "I figured I'd help." Kiros didn't register the growls, but Noyama was there, and she translated in a hurry. This was all very interesting for her. "You blue wolves always get your just deserts," she chuckled loudly, rising and trotting over to Pavati. "Wonder what little blue-face here would do if I snapped her neck?" Noyama gave a hard stare towards Jori, daring her to stop her.
"Don't touch her Noy." Kara's voice was stern and demanding. Noyama smirked, but made no further attempt at the pup. "Jori," she spoke, her eyes alight with fire. Forgiveness was not in the red's nature. She lived by the rules of kill, or be killed. She could never forgive Jori for 'betraying' her, but she also knew that love was love. Jori should have had a little self control, but the pups had no knowledge of their parents lives. They could be pardonned.
Growling at Jori she slunk forwards and locked her jaws around the scruff of Pavati's neck, lifting her off the ground. "Noyama, Sade." The pink wolf cocked an eyebrow, it was clear that the red didn't trust her with the almost all blue pup.
"Come here green thing," she said, wrinkling her nose and motioning to her side. She had no want to put a filthy youth into her mouth.
"Jori, I suggest you follow," Kara spat, and turned tail, Pavati not even trying to resist the 'kidnapping.'
Pavati could smell the fear in poor 'Half of Me'. She wagged her tail at him as she passed, her body dangling far from the ground. He would be okay, she told him with her eyes. They were safe with Thinks Like Fire. Besides, Bug Eater would protect them, so it would all be okay. Mother was coming with, and dad would stay here, and do what he needed to do. He could take care of mother and son later.
"Kara!" the voice caused Pavati to try turn to see what he was doing. The giant red head above her swiveled. The pup couldn't make out any emotion in Burns like Fire, but she could feel the tensing of muscles beneath her, which must have meant anger.
"Speak," the red growled, still holding Pavati sharply in her mouth.
"They are my brood." It was true, Pavati thought, father needed to raise them under his influence. She didn't want to lose 'Half of Me', and she hoped the red would pardon.
"A month, stay far, far away. Then, perhaps, I'll forgive you." The world blurred again as the red turned her head back and made forward progress.
Ronove
The smile on her lips dissolved as quickly as it had come - and her hopes of a family went with them. Jori stared hard at Kiros, searching for any signs of deception. Was he just saying this to get out of raising Pavati and Sade? But he looked as dejected as she felt. And she had to admit, it would be a hard life for her two children... for all of them. An unfair one. They deserved more.
"Maybe... maybe you won't have to leave!" Jori leaned forward eagerly. "From the packlands. Maybe..."
Jori looked away, down at Sade and Parvati. So beautiful... but their genetics would never lie. With marking like theirs, no one would have to ask who the parents were. Kara hadn't.
"Maybe Kara will forgive you." The words were barely audible. Jori knew that wouldn't happen, but she had to cling to something. Besides...
Forgive him? You mean forgive both of you. The small blue winced away from the truth and buried her nose in her daughters soft pelt. Love washed through her, but it was colored with so much sorrow. She couldn't see a way out of this. It was worth it. It was all worth it. She kept telling herself this over and over as she tried to swallow past the lump that kept forming in her throat. But it was so hard. She squeezed her eyes shut, her ears flat against her skull.
Sade squinted up at the larger wolf, still faintly suspicious of foul play. But Momma said it was alright, so he backed off his sister and cautiously went to inspect his father. He sniffed at the dark grey fur and felt a surge of recognition wash over him - it wasn't that he'd smelled this scent before... it was more that it was, well, a part of him. A part of Momma and Pavati.
He wagged his tail, slowly at first, then faster.
But when the grey wolf wouldn't look at him, Sade's tail slowed. He could smell the same fear that Pavati noticed, and he could feel the sadness from both his father and his mother.
Well, maybe they just needed someone to play with! Whenever he was upset, he went and played with Pavati, or ate some bugs. He always felt better after that! Certainly that was it.
With a short, sharp bark Sade nipped at the big grey and tottered away, tail wagging furiously.
Jori managed a faint smile at her son, but couldn't muster anymore than that. It was the familiar, dreaded voice that really drove the nail into the coffin. She spun in suprise, ears flattening as far as they could against her skull. Jori's back was to both Kara and Yisoka, so she'd seen neither of them approaching.
The site of the cougar was unsettling, but the site of her alpha was far worse. The small blue turned slowly, body hovering protectively over her pups. She couldn't meet Kara's eyes, so she stared at her feet. Hopelessness overcame her and she fell silent, unable to find the strength to form words.
It was Noyama's approach that brought her out of her thoughts and back to reality. Jori's eyes snapped up, meeting Noya's own with a gaze that should have been enough to kill. All her anger and frustration seemed to boil up at once, leaving her breathless and out of control. Pavati was helpless near their paws.
"You dare to touch her," Jori snarled, . "You even look at her the wrong way, and you'll be worse off than any blue wolf would ever be!" The last words weren't more than a growl as the small female lunged forwards, snapping her teeth at the teen's neck -
"Jori."
- she froze, ears flattening again. She stared at the ground as Kara shouldered past and snatched her daughter up. Things had gone so wrong so quickly. And all because of one night. A shudder ran through her body. She had betrayed the first wolf to show her any sympathy. Was she any better than the pack she'd come from?
Sade was pressed against her legs, eyes wide as he regarded the pink girl in front of him. Jori hardened her expression and lifted her lip in warning. "Get away." Her voice was soft, daring Noya to come closer. For a moment she was statue still, torn between Kara and Kiros-
Sade seemed to understand that something was wrong. He whimpered beneath her and pressed his fuzzy head into her leg. With a sigh she picked him up and slunk after Kara, tail tucked beneath her body. She couldn't bring herself to look back at Kiros, so she stared forwards.
"Maybe... maybe you won't have to leave!" Jori leaned forward eagerly. "From the packlands. Maybe..."
Jori looked away, down at Sade and Parvati. So beautiful... but their genetics would never lie. With marking like theirs, no one would have to ask who the parents were. Kara hadn't.
"Maybe Kara will forgive you." The words were barely audible. Jori knew that wouldn't happen, but she had to cling to something. Besides...
Forgive him? You mean forgive both of you. The small blue winced away from the truth and buried her nose in her daughters soft pelt. Love washed through her, but it was colored with so much sorrow. She couldn't see a way out of this. It was worth it. It was all worth it. She kept telling herself this over and over as she tried to swallow past the lump that kept forming in her throat. But it was so hard. She squeezed her eyes shut, her ears flat against her skull.
Sade squinted up at the larger wolf, still faintly suspicious of foul play. But Momma said it was alright, so he backed off his sister and cautiously went to inspect his father. He sniffed at the dark grey fur and felt a surge of recognition wash over him - it wasn't that he'd smelled this scent before... it was more that it was, well, a part of him. A part of Momma and Pavati.
He wagged his tail, slowly at first, then faster.
But when the grey wolf wouldn't look at him, Sade's tail slowed. He could smell the same fear that Pavati noticed, and he could feel the sadness from both his father and his mother.
Well, maybe they just needed someone to play with! Whenever he was upset, he went and played with Pavati, or ate some bugs. He always felt better after that! Certainly that was it.
With a short, sharp bark Sade nipped at the big grey and tottered away, tail wagging furiously.
Jori managed a faint smile at her son, but couldn't muster anymore than that. It was the familiar, dreaded voice that really drove the nail into the coffin. She spun in suprise, ears flattening as far as they could against her skull. Jori's back was to both Kara and Yisoka, so she'd seen neither of them approaching.
The site of the cougar was unsettling, but the site of her alpha was far worse. The small blue turned slowly, body hovering protectively over her pups. She couldn't meet Kara's eyes, so she stared at her feet. Hopelessness overcame her and she fell silent, unable to find the strength to form words.
It was Noyama's approach that brought her out of her thoughts and back to reality. Jori's eyes snapped up, meeting Noya's own with a gaze that should have been enough to kill. All her anger and frustration seemed to boil up at once, leaving her breathless and out of control. Pavati was helpless near their paws.
"You dare to touch her," Jori snarled, . "You even look at her the wrong way, and you'll be worse off than any blue wolf would ever be!" The last words weren't more than a growl as the small female lunged forwards, snapping her teeth at the teen's neck -
"Jori."
- she froze, ears flattening again. She stared at the ground as Kara shouldered past and snatched her daughter up. Things had gone so wrong so quickly. And all because of one night. A shudder ran through her body. She had betrayed the first wolf to show her any sympathy. Was she any better than the pack she'd come from?
Sade was pressed against her legs, eyes wide as he regarded the pink girl in front of him. Jori hardened her expression and lifted her lip in warning. "Get away." Her voice was soft, daring Noya to come closer. For a moment she was statue still, torn between Kara and Kiros-
Sade seemed to understand that something was wrong. He whimpered beneath her and pressed his fuzzy head into her leg. With a sigh she picked him up and slunk after Kara, tail tucked beneath her body. She couldn't bring herself to look back at Kiros, so she stared forwards.
