Redhawk Caldera Houston, we have a problem

She didn't hear his answer, nor his reassurances. Big, fat tears leaked from Wildfire's eyes as she cried loudly. It really was a miracle that no one in the pack heard and came running. Everyone must have been on the other side of the mountain, or else away from home altogether. Unfortunately, the pup was too young and distraught to consider the logistics.

But, at length, someone did come to her rescue: her godfather. When she saw the familiar gray shape moving toward them, Wildfire blinked. His image shimmered through the thick tears in her eyes. She blinked several more times, then sniffed, hiccuped and bounded toward him. She couldn't find her voice for the moment, though she made a relieved whimpering noise as she clutched at his left foreleg.

It would have been immensely helpful if she'd had the presence of mind to tell Elwood how the stranger hadn't done her any harm. He had, in fact, helped her. But Wildfire was still too fraught to say anything. She buried her face in Uncle Elwood's armpit, his soft pewter fur soothing against her hot, damp cheeks.