Swiftcurrent Creek The world's such a crazy place

Durnehviir dozed, curled close to her pups as they did likewise. It was a trick that the new mother had picked up on quickly: sleep while they sleep, to prevent exhausting herself prematurely.

She had been so focused on her offspring that she hadn't cared much to consider Chusi's unfortunate situation, but the thought came to her in fleeting moments. While the initial outrage had subsided, the russet Alphess frustration with her subordinates flared whenever they crossed her mind. Durnehviir did her best to disregard the headache, knowing that a decision would need to be made soon, and it was something that would need to be discussed at length with her mate.

A week had passed by quickly following the arrival of her young, and no visitors had come. For this, Durnehviir was grateful. She wasn't prepared to let anyone invade her den - not even the comrades she'd known since the early days of Ravensblood Forest. Protecting her children was her number one priority, so her eyes flickered open at every unusual noise. In this case, it came in the form of footfall beyond the hollow's entrance and her head shot up, eyes fixed there as she listened to the movement outside.

The padding stopped, and silence followed for a short time before she heard movement head away. Durnehviir pulled herself into stiffened limbs and stepped over the sleeping infants to peer into the clearing beyond her den mouth. Champagne eyes found Chusi's retreating form, immediately seeking the tell-tale swell of her previously slim waist to confirm her suspicion.

"Chusi," the crimson leader called with every intention of drawing attention to her, though there was an undeniable cool edge to her tone.