Blackfoot Forest crossroads

He made himself double back to the forest only to check for final signs of Djinn or Mercedes, although they had not been present the last time, and really Glaukos was only doing this to give Javelina and their impending future some space.

Glaukos crossed through the outer limits of the forest and picked up the scent of fox, which never abated despite his avid hunting, and followed a trail until he lost interest.

Before he knew it, Glaukos had clawed his way to the heart of the weald, and night was falling. He loosed a slew of low pitch curses, realizing he had roamed too long and Javelina might take notice.

He failed to detect the wolf nearby, as he was lost in his own drama.