The Lightning Strike

Something was wrong. He'd watched the weather long enough to know a night like this spoke of some impending phenomenon. The birds fled. He watched them pick up in flocks and fly away long before the changing of the seasons. Other animals cleared out. It seemed as if only the territorial predators such as themselves lingered as they awaited whatever was to come.

He'd climbed higher, seeking a better vantage point of the distance. He was no naturalist by trade, but he was no stranger to the weather. These clouds... this sky... He was unsettled. He didn't need the wind whipping through his fur and promising stronger winds to come to remind him that they were small elements of this world. Something was coming. A crack of lighting spoke of it. The rolling thunder promised it.

A howl rang up amidst the din. Iqniq turned an ear, catching the call of his mate as he traveled the rim of the spine and moved to join his mate and his friend. He came across Tonravik, nudging her shoulder with his own before he nuzzled against her nape. To Nanuk, he chuffed a quick greeting before turning his eyes back towards the sky.

None of them really had to say anything. That storm was moving closer... too close, and it appeared as though it were coming straight for the spine.