Oystercatcher Tide Pools why do they ignore the little female one

she looked back at her fiery eyes the reflection as herself. the wolf that returned her gaze was older, sterner. their ears were large, but no longer in a way that was endearing— now in a way that emphasized how small the rest of their features were compared to other grown wolves. perhaps from a distance, their age could be mistaken for one younger, but their frame was muscular and features mature and angular. vesper wouldn't want to get on the bad side of the darkling that stared back at her; they looked mean, unforgiving.

was that truly what others saw?

vesper snapped their head away from the pool at the sound of another's chuff, looking up at him through their brows. they moved to stand after a moment, but otherwise did not attempt to close the distance, and offered a chuff of their own in return.