Noctisardor Bypass miles on the run

Her grief demands isolation from her, so she departs the pack's territory. It's not freedom she's after this time — she feels strangely exposed until she sees the mountains. A promise of safety in an odd, irrational way, so she finds her way within the fortress. It's familiar; green eyes flash in her memory, red blood, cold water in her fur. Siarut had made his offer then, but she had declined that first time — why?
Perhaps more appropriately, why had she agreed the second time?
The yearling is drawn again to the lake, watching the sunlight ripple off the water's surface with sparkling scarlet eyes as she nears the edge. She's reminded of Lainie, who'd always been enchanted by water, and her throat tightens.
When they'd been pups, their father would sing to them often in his native tongue. Whenever the children fussed, he'd sing, and they'd calm instantly; as they aged, of course, it hadn't worked quite as well. He'd stopped altogether after a time — but she'd always requested more. Song soothes her; it's been some time since she's allowed herself the comfort. Demain la route va me prendre, A hesitant beginning, but her voice smooths quickly. Dans les anneaux de ses détours, qu'elle se décide à me rendre ou qu'elle m'avale pour toujours.