Bearclaw Valley don’t go over the edge

Back from the outer worlds slunk Aventus, with the smeared red pulp that once was a killdeer clutched possessively in his jaws. The unusual feelings in his belly abated some time ago, but there lingered some semblance of indignant misunderstanding behind his silver eyes. Even now, he did not entirely understand why she had not killed the injured bird herself and why she could simultaneously be offended and apologetic, confusing, infuriating!

He went immediately to the den where his dam rested and stooped low, surprised and pleased to see her facing outward. Aventus hadn't spent any time in the company of his mother since Avicus' betrayal. His stomach knotted with nervousness. He hesitated, but then shuffled forward on his belly, proffering the bloody thing for his mother's inspection and consumption with a soft whine and wag of his tail.

Behind Astara there loomed some tiny shadow set apart from the natural shadows, and the den was suffused with the sound of an equally tiny growl. It drew his attention and he craned his neck to try to see, ever mindful of Astara's vengeful teeth and poised to scuttle back and out at a moment's notice.