Ankyra Sound [m] but i do it for the kids

“Come,” Sobeille said and, at long last, Tiuttuk knew exactly where to go.

Before she heeded the command, Treepie made sure to catch Alaric’s eye. In case he hadn’t heard Sobeille, she asked him to wait outside and keep watch. This was women’s work, though the last thing she wanted was to leave Alaric behind. He seemed to understand.

Heart pounding in her chest, Tiuttuk faced forward and crept into the grotto behind Sobeille. After a narrow downward grade, the space widened into a startlingly large chamber. Pie couldn’t see anything and paused to let her eyes adjust, shifting out of the way to allow the light from outside to make its way into the alcove.

By the time she could see—only a little, but enough—she spotted Sobeille crouching near a pile of furs not far from a shining pool. Surprised by the sight of both the nest and the water, she nevertheless crept closer. She watched the pregnant she-wolf circle in this place she had evidently picked out and prepared beforehand.

Although she wondered why her companion had chosen this dreary grotto to deliver her pups, Treepie didn’t question it. She didn’t ask again if there was anyone else she should summon. She merely sank down beside Sobeille, feeling as though she was meant to be here… that her presence was, in fact, so important, an entire village had fallen—two, actually, though she knew nothing of Sapphique’s fate—just to bring her here.