Phoenix Maplewood Death inspires me like a dog inspires a rabbit

With spring creeping up on the wilds with every passing day, the maple wood should have felt alive and vibrant. Buds were beginning to form on the trees and bushes throughout the territory and the snow was largely melted away, but Saena felt chilly as she walked heavily through the territory, pregnant belly swaying. The signs of new life failed to inspire hope in her; she was downcast, fearful for how she would handle the birthing of her pups alone, even though she had an entire pack to support her in that.

But deep down, she felt invigorated and determined by the turn of events. She was determined to regain control over her pack, to wipe out the blight Reek had left on her reputation, and to erase all traces of his infidelity. This would begin with Tavi, but the beta proved elusive in the aftermath of the alphas' falling out and Saena was truthfully not in a hurry to find her, either. It was hard enough being cheated on by her mate—a fact she had not considered when she did it to him—but Tavi she counted among her friends, and that betrayal at times felt worse. At times it barely compared to the pain of losing her partner.

Licking her chops, she stopped and stared deadpan into a puddle of water, and was distraught by just how fat she had become. Pregnancy did not suit her; normally petite and slim, Saena had ballooned, swelling not only with pups but also light edema. Shaking her head, she splashed across the puddle and fought to stave off a fresh wave of tears.