Wapun Meadow want to fly to a place where it's just you and me - nobody else so we can be free

It felt as though all his blood pooled into his paws when she left. He was keenly aware of the harsh thump of his heart in his ears and the crippling weariness that bore down on him. Skwol shut his eyes and listened to the sound of his breathing as it slowed. Spiritless, the white wolf did not quarrel with what happened next. His legs gave out beneath him and he crumpled into the snow with a whump.

—

Hours later, over the roar of the engine and slash of blades, the pulse of the tracking signal quickened and drew surprised and sorrowful looks from the crew.

The collar's mortality sensor was going off.