Spotted Eagle Mountain If only I'd have known you had a storm to weather

Hunger ravaged Wylla in more than one form, driving her restlessly out of Diaspora's claim and up toward the crown of an adjacent mountain. It was only a matter of time before the season sunk its claws in her—already her mind was wandering to places it shouldn't wander, especially while she was out here on her own—but she reasoned that that was all the more reason to get out while she could. Soon she would be unable to wander from the pack's claim without attracting unwanted attention, so this was her last chance for a few days to stretch her legs.

Besides, being so high-strung at home would only invite Takiyok's ire, and she wasn't positive she could keep from doing something rash in her current mood. Better for them all. So off Wylla went, following the faint but recent scent of a coyote up the mountain in hopes of finding some kind of food to take the edge off all the other feelings.