Phoenix Maplewood chapter three.

Yesterday's attempt to better understand and get to know Dawn had taken a few solemn turns for both of them, as each shared snippets of their pasts and ideals for a bright future. Truthfully, Artyom felt a little guilty for his honesty, and as he trailed through the frosted trees of the neighbouring maplewood, he considered how he might apologise for any grim thoughts he was sure to have roused from their burial place in her mind.

His own had turned to Ana more often in a few hours than had in months, and he remembered with solemn fondness of all the memories they'd made together. She would've been his Queen, had all gone to plan; perhaps they'd be welcoming a litter in the Springtime, having had no desire to rush and reproduce the previous season. It was something they'd both discussed at length and, although she was lost to him, her last wish was for him to be happy.

An unfamiliar wolfess drew him from pondering, and Artyom lifted his chocolate gaze to better look upon her through the foliage. He paused to observe, curious, quietly wondering if she too had pledged to support the Whitebark pack, and chuffed softly to alert her to his location.