Heron Lake Plateau The clock may run out on us.

An accident. The news brought the smallest amount of relief to Elwood; at least he knew that nothing malicious had caused Orca's death, but it didn't ease ease his sadness. She had been nothing but positive and optimistic, so why had her life been snuffed out so abruptly? He looked to X, who had landed on the ground near Niamh, and nodded his head. He had never fully understood Towhee's attachment to the bird, but had accepted it, and now he was thankful for the avian's presence. Without him, they might not have known what happened to Orca.

He took a deep breath as Towhee mused aloud about Orca's final resting place. When she suggested The Roost, Elwood expressed his agreement. He would never argue with her; after all, this was her sister, her littermate, that they were talking about, and Towhee would know the best location to bury her. "That's a good idea. I'll help you carry her there," he said, and glanced at the other three wolves gathered -- so far, they had been quiet, but he was thankful that they were there and for the support they offered.