Moonspear are we awake, or are we asleep?

The time had come upon them so quickly, Lyra felt it had been only yesterday that Hydra had brought her first litter into the world. Now here they were, awaiting a second batch with bated breath, hoping - no, knowing - all would be well and the newest lives to be added to their ever expanding family would be healthy and strong. The trio of sisters moved together as Hydra worked to bring about her young and, as she and Alya spoke, Lyra watched, aware of every minute uncharacteristic movement and hitch of breath that told her the time was near.

Soon enough, it was.

Within moments of Hydra disappearing into the darkness of the den, the helpless, screeching cries of a babe rung out, causing the two guardians outside to pause and peer into the den. Still working off the sac he had arrived in the world in, they watched as their sister helped her new son take his first breaths. Lyra sent a questioning look to her Alpha, one that asked if she needed medicine for the pain. A soft shake of the head was all that was needed in response, and the two sisters withdrew to leave Hydra to deliver the rest of her litter in peace.

It was a long process and would likely take most of the night. Like sharks, Lyra and Alya circled outside the whelping den, dark fur on end, eyes catching the light of the super moon above as they watched for any intruder who would dare set foot near their beloved while she was at her most vulnerable. Not to mention the precious newborns she was working so hard to bring into the world.

Finally, after the muffled squeaks and cries and grunts had settled, the two sisters once again retreated to the den, wordless in their question for Hydra: are you okay? She looked to them, and for all the pain she had just endured and the consequent tiredness, she was still just as domineering and stoic as ever. Lyra's features lit up, a rare smile filled with warmth spreading across her maw. Everything had gone well; Moonspear had been blessed with four new healthy lives.

Moving to the clearing once more, the twins mirrored each other as they sent up the howl, announcing the birth of the new litter and asking the pack to lend their voice in celebration. @Dirge, in particular, was summoned, though they knew he would be lurking somewhere not far off but wisely not in sight. Now, he could safely approach.