Bitterroot Valley ✢ Natural blood-stained blond

sega’s ears tipped, slow, taking in the boy’s words without flinch or question. the story was thin, but the pain behind it was not. he had heard its shape before— in storms, in orphans, in himself.

he dipped his head once, a firm nod.

you stay, he said, voice rough but sure. hn. no pup walk alone under great sky.

sky eater’s scent brushed his nose— cold, hungry, stubborn, alive. sega held still, letting the boy take him in, letting trust settle the way snow settles: quiet, gradual, ultimately inevitable.

i watch you, he said simply. teach you. mother not leave you again.

then, with a flick of his tail— an invitation, not command:

come.