Blackfoot Forest A canopy of shivers

Pied knew Vires must be curious or even suspicious about her quirky behavior, yet she didn't let it bother her. She had lots of experience trying to play it cool. In any case, Vires seemed interested in exchanging some more small talk and Pied seized the opportunity to appear normal and relaxed. Besides, she truly commiserated with her pack mate's sentiments.

"Do you really think she's gone, for good...?" Pied wondering, wanting to pick Vires's brain on the matter. Her stomach twisted anxiously. "If she has, we really need to figure out what to do, sooner rather than later." She paused, sipping in a breath. "Do you know of any other packs in the area?"

Pied only knew of one and, if not for the fateful night in October, she would've gone there directly to take shelter with her cousins. Now, of course, it was the last place she would ever go. A sullen expression passed over Pied's face as she thought of Koontz. The indignity of that night still made her skin burn when she thought about it...

A raucous burst of laughter cleaved through her thoughts. She made no outward indication of her surprise, save for the slight tilt of her head. She also peeked over her shoulder to see the puppy on her back, legs pedaling in the air as Mag perched on her belly and tickled it with her tail feathers.