Redtail Rise Lock-Jaw

When the Ulfhedinn came, Masque’s heart did a little leap in their chest. They bowed their head and let their tail droop in deference as he approached. When he came to a halt, they slunk to close the gap and bumped their crimson snout against his grizzled chin, perhaps more reverentially than usual. They took a breath, then stepped back.

I want to focus on the hunt, they said, tipping their chin upward a little while careful never to present a challenge to the leader. The pups do not need a Caru so much these days. I intend to continue those duties in the spring. Until then, I want to serve the rise as an Ulfr.

Their heart thumped as they boldly announced their new vocation. Augur could always disagree but Masquerade was not so much asking as telling. All the pups were Toweards now. They didn’t need a sitter any longer but the pack could always use another set of teeth: a Fengtoth, to be precise.

Masquerade was done languishing.