Redhawk Caldera they came from behind

She led @Rye to the borders, never once slowing or stopping as she began to climb. She wouldn't rest until she found the caregiver. She wasn't even sure Eljay could do anything for her, though if anyone could, it would be him. There was no saving the two dead pups she carried in her mouth, though perhaps there were others. Certainly the midwife would have some of the answers she desperately needed right now.

The Sovereign fully intended to go right to him, though they passed near the cave where she lived with @Reyes. Towhee paused, heart squeezing in her chest, and turned toward it. She paused in the cave's mouth, wondering if he was inside. Gently, she bent her head and set the dead pups on the ground. Heart in her throat, she called to her mate.

When he did not appear, Towhee thrust her head into the cave. Maybe he was just sleeping. But it was empty. She withdrew, then looked down at the pups again. She couldn't just leave them here for him to find. But she didn't think she could bring herself to carry them anymore. Quickly, she dug them a shallow grave beside the cave, carefully covering them before turning to resume her search for the pack's medic.

When she found him, at long last, Eljay wasn't alone. Towhee stopped and stared at Niamh's lifeless figure draped against him.