Moonspear like a lost puppy

Talisman stood very still as a pale she-wolf approached, looking as exhausted as he felt. This must be Sialuk. Before he could greet her in return, Kusuma skittishly moved to his other side. Her chin came to rest on the slope of his spine unexpectedly, prompting him to cringe away from her with a grimace.

Sorry, it’s just—my back, he explained haltingly to her before looking toward the leader, head bowing and body crouched in absolute submission. That’s me. It’s nice to meet you… Sialuk, right? he tacked onto Kusuma’s nervous introduction.