Noctisardor Bypass yonhaka

Skaigona’s declaration startled Druid out of her consternation. She blinked, then smiled. If only one of the other baby snakes had stayed behind with Bracelet! Alas, that hadn’t happened, though maybe her sister could find one of them in the leaf litter, or perhaps discover another sort of companion altogether.

Okay, the gray pup murmured, stepping forward to nudge one of the younger girl’s pale cheeks. Good luck, she added, which seemed like the right sentiment.

Stepping backward, she glanced down at her precious cargo and then turned carefully to plod back toward the log. Once there, she climbed inside just as gingerly, coming to rest with her forelegs outstretched to dangle over the lip of wood. She sighed happily, letting her chin fall to prop on one of her legs, eyes crossing ever so slightly as she stared at Bracelet.

Bracelet stared back, tongue occasionally flicking outward to taste the air. Druid’s eyes drifted closed. She didn’t rouse when the small serpent unwound and retreated into the soil to hunt her first meal, nor when she returned with a full belly to sleepily coil beside the young wolf.