Moonspear The change

They shared a surname, Sialuk quickly learned. Another cousin, so not one to be presented to one of Hydra's sons. She was niece to Dirge specifically, though Sialuk did not know Nyx by name (or sight, for that matter).

Then we are cousins, Sialuk said, smiling. My father, Jarilo, is brother to Hydra, Dirge's wife. Perhaps Elke already knew this, but it felt right to say it aloud. More solid.

Elke had not mentioned a father, and Sialuk did not press her. If she had not mentioned him, and they had come to live here, it could only mean terrible things. Things that Sialuk knew better than to drudge up.

Above, the crow perched on a branch, and Sialuk glanced at it. She had gotten the sense that it was getting more comfortable around her, and even more comfortable being around other wolves. Feeding it scraps had probably helped.

So what all have you explored here? she asked Elke.