Northstar Vale My world is burning to the ground…(MdC members highly welcome)

Ugh, I just want to snuggle this poor baby ;n;

He nodded once, a subtle lift of his lips—a silent token of gratitude for Viskani’s kindness. They were not the same, yet a swift kinship was taking root in his heart. She was kind, generous, unbothered by his shortcomings. Accepting. He belonged to no one, had no place to call his own, yet his heart yearned for family. He wouldn’t know for some time where he might find it, but for now, he would remain with this pack for as long as they allowed him.

His gaze lingered on Viskani as she studied his human-made necklace, catching the flicker of hesitation before she exhaled and conceded to her knowledge. A wave of relief washed over him. But at the mention of dogs in the west, his silver eyes widened, a shudder raking down his spine.

“Dogs… a ‘man’s best friend.’” He scoffed, bitterness lacing his words. His life had been nothing but torment—he was no man’s best friend. Viskani was probably right; they might hold answers about his noose. Yet the mere thought of humans among them twisted his stomach with a deep, gnawing dread.

“I do not want to seek them out. I may be part dog, but I never want anything to do with humans again. They are vile, disgusting creatures, and they all deserve to die!”

By the end, his voice had fractured into something raw, untamed. His eyes burned with fury—wild, present yet distant. Rage and anguish poured from him, his body trembling, lips curling into the beginnings of a snarl. The past rushed in, vivid and merciless. Not so long ago, he had been at their mercy. The pain, the despair—it was all still fresh.

He clawed at his chains, breath quickening, his expression contorting into sheer terror. The weight of phantom restraints dragged him down, as if the chains still held him to the earth, as if human hands still reached for him.
These episodes had plagued him in captivity, persisting even after his escape. They had become less frequent with time, but never ceased. The last had been a week ago. And now, the countdown had begun again.