Blacktail Deer Plateau The show must go on [pack meeting]

Pura's first night back had been dramatic, to say the least. After nearly stripping Junior's leg of flesh in the process of rescuing her, he had dumped the ailing wolf in the river at her own (feverish) request - and it seemed to have done the trick. She was neither wobbling nor singing, thank the stars, and seemed to have her feet planted firmly on the correct side of recovery.

Pura's cold gaze swept across the backs of the other heads that had arrived before him, fastening on a familiar set of rust-coloured ears. There she was, all grown up and lovely, with all four paws planted firmly on Blacktail Deer Plateau territory. Pura had followed his sister's progress as best he could after her return home, diligently stalking her scent along the borders but rarely catching sight of the wolf herself.

3 out of 4 pups had returned home. Pura did not hold out much hope for Ty - sweet girl, but incurably strange. Perhaps she would stake her claim on some forest, surround herself with woodland animals, and become a mystical seer. Packs would bring their own Uncle Attis to speak to her, and she would have a place in the world. Yes, that sounded nice.

Pura sat down at the edge of the circle, alternating between staring at his sister, Junior, and Dante. There was an undercurrent of nervousness among the group. He experienced it as a tickle at the base of his spine, and it made him shift uncomfortably where he sat.