Ouroboros Spine opportunity is punishable by death

"And daughters," he added, should they have any. He wished for at least one, but he had a feeling genetics might be against him. He was one of four males from his own litter and that sort of thing tended to be a family curse, or a blessing. Either way, they would not know until the day came what sort of bundles of joy they would bring into this world. Or rather. Balls of teeth and fur. Thankfully, the teeth came later.

She stepped away and ventured further, he followed behind as she explored, content to drift wherever she decided to go. He'd been here before. He'd explored these crannies. For her? It was all new and she'd pick a spot she liked the best.

She did. Then she disappeared.

If his eyes had not followed her into her nook, he might have not known where to look for her. Still, he found her by scent and her slight offering of heat. He settled on the ground before her, mindful of the tightness of the space she'd chosen, but it would serve her and a dozen little ones well enough. He could threaten her with his visits later.

For now, he watched her for a moment before reaching out to lick and nip at her nose only to settle like a sphinx upon the ground. "I don't wish to stifle you, but if you choose to venture outside, I would ask that you take Echelon, Nanuk, or myself with you." Those fully Tartok. Those he trusted. He knew her instincts were strong and she would soon do what she felt she needed, but he would not crush her spirit to lead and hunt as she felt fit so long as she offered him this kindness and eased his peace of mind.