Soft come the dragons

A smile curved her lips when he acknowledged her efforts and her tail swung, brushing his flank absently. "Thanks, Ax," Koontz said sincerely. "You're doing great too. I smelled your markers all around the borders." Between the two of them—and Ray's occasional contribution—there could be no mistake that the plateau had been claimed, practically overnight.

At the mention of a den, Koontz's brow furrowed. "You know, I hadn't really thought about a den." She paused, an almost sheepish look passing over her face, though there was a note of pride in her glacial eyes. "I haven't gone to bed yet," she admitted, tipping her silvery snout. "There's too much to do. Who has time for sleep?" she quipped, wondering if Ariston would value her overachievements or if he would chastise her for not resting properly.

Swallowing, Koontz awaited his word while pretending to scan the trees for her brother. The rain made the leaves look dark and oily. A shiver suddenly stole over her and Koontz woofed lightly under her breath and gave her pelt a shake. There was no chance of drying off while standing out here in the downpour, yet the movement at least put a little bit of warmth into her weary muscles.