Ouroboros Spine atiga-anun

He waits. He does not know how long. Ariadne waits in the forest and Kaluktuk does not want to be parted from her for long, especially after everything, but he waits. He watches the familiar hills and old trees for sign that his son accepts the invitation; he is almost certain that Kivaluk will not, and he waits. When Kivaluk does appear, he does not see the cub that was born to Natigvik - he sees a man of Moonglow, with a heart of ice.

At least that much is familiar.

Is this how Kigipigak had looked when he had confronted his own father, that final time?

At first he only looks upon the man. There are pieces of him that remind Kigipigak of Sakhmet; his athleticism, written across a healthy body. The touch of red upon his face. The shape of his eyes.

Kaluktuk breathes and finally breaks the silence.

Do you hate me?