Ravenshook Cliffs moonglow

he closes his eyes tightly, waiting for the sting of teeth; it does not come. instead he feels hot breath against his fur for a moment, and the stranger withdraws. it takes a few beats for him to remember how to breathe, assuring himself over and over that the danger has passed. at least for now. he forces his eyes open, glancing briefly toward the male to be certain no hostility lingers.
finding the stranger has settled a slightly more comfortable distance away, he forces his trembling limbs to turn him slowly back toward the ocean. he doesn't know what else to do. he lowers himself to the ground, tucking his legs beneath him and releasing a shaky breath. he can't question the other wolf's motives even to himself, not when his own composure already stands on such fragile ground and he knows he will find no answers. perhaps if he could ask, it would be different; he swallows that thought too, gaze turning skyward. the stars are still shimmering faintly above, revealing themselves bit by bit as the light dies, but they offer no comfort now. he feels very cold, and very alone.