Duck Lake he gives the world its saddest sound

No sooner had he hit the ground than he was back up, startled by the other wolf's sudden presence. Just one look at her confirmed that she, too, was surprised by him. Hey, hey, we're cool, he said gently. Her razor-sharp features indicated coyote heritage, but there was no doubting her wolf blood. The coywolf was black, a slim shadow with hauntingly beautiful eyes. She relaxed quickly, whether it was a result of his words or not, and she looked upon him apologetically.

She did not speak, but from her throat eked a sad little sound. It sounded as though her voice was thick from disuse, like she had been silent for so long that her throat no longer knew how to shape words. You got a name? he asked, instantly feeling pity for her. How long had she been alone?