Swiftcurrent Creek Here we go again

Throb.
That seemed to be all her ribs did these days.

Kaiaka grimaced at the memory—hoof meeting chest, the sharp jolt of impact, the way air had fled her lungs as she stumbled to stay upright. It could’ve been so much worse, and for that, she was grateful. Still, the injury left her with little to do but wander the Creek.

Mae had been kind, welcoming her and giving her time to heal. Kaiaka’s pace was slow and aimless as she moved through the territory, her limbs aching less than her pride. It was peaceful here, almost too quiet, save for the constant murmur of the river.

To think Mae had been patrolling its borders alone.

She clearly cared deeply for this place.

The silence pressed in. Kaiaka’s thoughts drifted to the emptiness surrounding her. Where had everyone gone? How did a pack just… vanish?

The mystery clung to her like mist, drawing her deeper into the heart of the territory. She nosed through abandoned dens, careful not to disturb what little was left behind. There were no signs of violence, no torn earth, no dried blood, no scent of struggle. Just… absence.

She felt a pang of sympathy for Mae, left behind with no answers and too many questions. Kaiaka glanced back toward the river, wondering.