Redhawk Caldera uncast shadow of a southern myth

The howl jolted Peregrine from a nightmare about his brother, Crete, on fire, his mouth open in a silent scream. He sat up immediately, sending a sleepy pup tumbling, and blinked blearily at the surrounding wasteland. Had a fire swept through here? He sucked in a breath, then reality finally caught up with him. He released it in a low whoosh, then squinted at Fox where she stood in the center of the now barren rendezvous site. She was summoning the pack. The Alpha male swallowed, his dry throat clicking, then gently untangled himself from the pile of rousing puppies as he prepared to stride (read: hobble) over to join his mate.

As soon as he came close enough, he inspected her eye. "Hey, it's sort of open," he observed, head tilting. "Can you see anything?" he wondered. Perhaps he should roll out the red carpet to welcome Fox to the Deadeye Club. Before she could answer, a sound from the pups caused the Alpha to turn, a low woof rumbling from his throat as he summoned them to come stand by their parents.