Heron Lake Plateau now i’m free from what you are

pping the kids with permission

the wolves closed in around her, as if she were a lost lamb their teeth chattered for. but she was no lamb -- she was an outsider; those teeth would soon come for her. she withstood their remonstrations, tolerating the verbal whiplash of her own rotten actions with a dull, knowing stare.

caiaphas' pride withered, but she stepped back regardless -- with svalinn and raleska by her side, (safe?) she would risk nothing.

"go," she hissed to her children, a small thrum of pride stirring in her heart as she witnessed the feral, uninhibited defensiveness of their mother. they would make fine killers one day -- but not today. they were still pups, and pups did not grow into adults if their mothers risked their lives unwarranted.

she was loathe to turn her back to this crew, but she had little choice -- at the urging of her (ex)packmate's teeth she sprung back and prowled for the plateau's borders, silent despite the guttural snarl that threatened to claw its way out of her throat.

certain that a cheap shot might be thrown to her turned back, she rounded her shoulders and kept her hocks under her with each stride; her gaze focused on the form of her children ahead. both of them walked with a grave reluctance, casting worried glances behind them every several feet. she kept her face stern, her eyes proud -- and walked unflinchingly away despite knowing at any moment her life could be ended.