~~~~~~~~~

Staring at the empty cave, Deimos panicked. His first thought was that his sister had appeared in the night and stolen her captive back, right from under his nose as he slept like a pup.

But then he found the paw prints, erratic as they were, and followed them until they vanished. That's the only word that described it. Both the prints, and Jahka's scent, completely vanished without a trace. It was unnerving, and frustrating.

Yet Deimos wouldn't be swayed that easily. He would find Jahka again. No matter how long it took. They were brothers now, in soul if not by blood.

Sighing, he turned and loped back home to his mate.

They had some things to talk about.