Ouroboros Spine drinking arsenic

He traced the island as he remembered it, noting the patterns of he herd that lived within this place. If they'd remained after the few hunts that had taken place in these parts, their patterns might not have changed too much. He turned his pace in one direction, seeking out the parts he knew this herd to settle in. There were a few locations in which they roamed between.

One of those hot spots was along the shoreline. He neared the edges of this isle and paused just long enough to quench his thirst. Tongue lapped at the lake's surface. Ripples spread beneath the weight of his tongue. He found himself staring. Looking, but not seeing as time escaped from him. The water had stilled in that time. The remnants dripping from his muzzle were no more. Just him, staring back into the face of a wolf who wore the wounds of recent wars.

He pulled himself from the water and traced the shore. His mission was back in full pursuit as he blinded himself from all save that which he sought. With narrowed vision, he all but missed the white wolf who neared. It wasn't until she spoke that he was pulled from his stupor. He froze. His ears swiveled slowly upon his head and his head turned even more slowly behind them until he stared back at her.

She'd said something. What was it?

His tail flicked behind him; waiting.