Porcupine Ridge adelphos

set Dec. 5

NUTU!

The cry broke the chilled mountain air, echoing off the crags and trees of Shadow Ridge. Once it had faded, Hex tried again, his throat already hoarse from the first effort.

NUTU!

Muskrat was gone. But this—

Had the girl gone with her? Hex had tracked the scents as best he could, and found no connection. If the two had departed together, they had done so under some kind of cover.

No, it was more likely dispersals independent of one another—

Dispersals, or kidnapping?

Nutu, Hex repeated, but this time, it was on a gasp, tears coming to his eyes and spilling over. He was nearly hyperventilating, now, sat upon an overlook where he could see everything. . .except her.

Where was she? Was she safe? Was she whole? Why had she—

Nutuyikruk, he moaned, closing his eyes against the fear and agony that overcame him.

His sanctuary was crumbling from the inside out.