Redhawk Caldera some day they will all be dead

vesper returned to the caldera as the first light of dawn was beginning to break over its ridges. the cut on her muzzle had scabbed over, and she moved stiffly from aching muscles and hidden bruises left by the wolverine. she had kept to the outskirts of the pack, refusing to socialize with anyone other than her littlest sister— even then, her words were few. there seemed to be an unspoken agreement amongst the redhawks, including her parents, to allow vesper this distance as she settled it. perhaps they could sense she was a powder keg, ready to explode if met with the smallest spark.

but if this was home now, she supposed she would need to start making an effort. instinctually, she knew if she did not learn to pull her weight within the pack dynamics, she would be driven out. for all her unhappiness, the darkling did not wish to be without the security of other wolves at her pack.

she made her way to a cool water source, and wincing, moved to lay next to it— her wounds protesting. but she was thirsty after a long night on her own and the adolescent leaned her head down to stiffly drink the from the refreshing pool, breathing against the physical pain that currently served as her anchor.