The Tangle Where’d You Go?

Time stretched, minutes turning into an hour, then two. Masquerade noted the way their younger brother fidgeted, though he seemed much more in control of himself than the Caru had expected. It made them proud.

At the top of the third hour, they whispered, You’re doing very well, Sky.

They slowly readjusted their posture, stretching stiffened muscles before settling again. They tuned into their surroundings, noting the mild hum of cicadas and the occasional breath of wind in the leafy canopy. Every time it blew, Masque’s nostrils flared, drinking in all the scents it carried.

At long last, a gust carried to them something fresher than the rest. The Caru shifted, exchanging a glance with the pup. Did he smell it too? Was he ready to act? They slowly coiled, ready to spring at a moment’s notice as they tried to discern the source of the scent. It was rather musty. Perhaps it was a weasel of some sort?