Noctisardor Bypass i could go off the deep end

She still couldn't make out what was being said, though the words had grown clipped, terse. Then the pair of brown, raggedy strangers began to turn and disembark. Grub drew in a breath as she watched them, eyes then flicking toward the unfamiliar wolf who remained standing beside Kaertok. His markings were much more visually striking, capturing the youngster's attention for a beat.

Grub considered making herself known, though she hesitated. Would her father be angry with her for wandering around on her own? Or would he be proud of her ability to sneak around undetected? In the end, the pup began to crawl backward, reluctantly intending to retrace her steps and return home without anyone ever being the wiser.

But, ghostly as she could be much of the time, Grub didn't anticipate the stick underfoot as she finally began to turn. It snapped in half, loudly. Her ears instantly slicked back against her pale skull. Oh, Kaertok would surely be displeased with her but nothing could match her disappointment in herself.