Moonspear blinking in the starlight

She tried to steady her hammering heart as her mother reassured her, all the while tending to the fussing Vela. Lyra kept her gaze upon the puppy, also trying to decipher what the matter could be. She still felt guilty for causing at least some disturbance and almost went to excuse herself from the scene — perhaps her younger sibling didn't like her by presence alone? The thought made her throat constrict, not wanting her sisters (and brother) to hate her! No, she would endeavour to be the best big sister she could be!

"Oh," she whispered gently, watching studiously as Vela's tiny paws swiped at her face. Was it her eyes? She glanced up at Amekaze who seemed to be as equally as perplexed as she moved the cub away from its siblings. Lyra smiled softly at her words, looking back to her sister and slowly lowering her head to rest on her forepaws. I know how you feel. Of her litter, she was also the quiet one. Always watching, always observing, always afraid. She frowned. She hoped little Vela didn't share that trait.

She offered a nod of understanding to her mother, unable to fathom how much work it took to look after such young pups. She couldn't remember her own days of puppyhood but she was sure it would have been just as overwhelming. There was just so much to learn about and experience! "When do their eyes open?" she whispered, ear twitching as she stared at Vela.