Frostfire Ridge Carrying the load, with wings that feel like stone

The sigh caught his ear, and his ears dropped slightly. He had disappointed him. He hated the sound he had caught crossing between them. Cringing inwardly at the words coming from him, he spoke nothing, knowing them to be true. His brother was like him, straightforward. It was one of the things that had drew them together since he was a pup. He should have told him. A part of him wanted to explain, to make his brother understand why he left, but another part sealed his lips shut, not wanting pity or understanding. Maybe it was pride. He had a bit too much sometimes.
As he began to talk about his father, he recognized the challenge immediately and stiffened, lifting his head to meet his brother's eyes with steel in his own. He wouldn't become the wolf his father said. He would rather die first, and it was written all over him, his muscles tensed. Nodding his head once, his voice was filled with determination, his motivation for life stiffening. It was his family. Always had been. He wouldn't let them down again. Not while he drew breath. I'll stay and do whatever I need to do to help with this pack. He spoke few words, but he meant every one and hoped his brother could see that as his shoulders raised again.