Phoenix Maplewood Invasion

The calamity of the fight rose before her in sound and scent alone. The rusted leaves blinded her path, but the girl didn't need her eyes to follow the concentrated scent of the assailing wolves. She sniffed and stretched her mind to search the air again. Her mother's scent surged through her nostrils, and Nanook ducked closer to the ground. Mama wouldn't be happy to see her, but Nanook wouldn't let that keep her away. She wasn't a baby anymore; mama couldn't hide her from the world forever.

The girl came upon the scene just as the elders attacked. Her eyes locked on a wolf of ruddy fur before the wolves of the Maplewood blocked the intruder from sight with bristling fur of many shades and flashing fangs. Nanook's blood ran hot, and she concealed herself an observer's distance from the brawl. Adrenaline snapped through the air and wooed her paws to keep moving, but she steadied the urge. Every muscle grew tight and coiled. The forest swarmed with strength, and she let the emotions flood her while she watched on with copper eyes focused and intense.