Ouroboros Spine cool jerk

She did not recognize the wolf who came forward to receive her. Treepie’s muscles stiffened a little as she lowered herself in deference. Although she quickly lowered her yellow eyes, she caught sight of a brawny male with a pale pelt. He greeted her and offered a name, which struck her as familiar, though Pie couldn’t quite place it.

I don’t think so either, she replied. I’m Tiuttuk, though most know me as Treepie or Pie. Picking up on his cue, she fell into step with him as he turned. I’ve come to meet Arrluk and Ajei’s twins, though there’s something else…

Before she could provide further detail on that, the man of the hour appeared. Despite the shadow on her spirit, Pie managed a genuine smile for Arrluk. They had that sort of easy friendship that picked up right where it had left off, even if months spanned between visits. She was quietly glad it hadn’t been that long.

Arrluk, it’s good to see your face, she said warmly, though something in her expression stilled as she prepared to bear the bad news. I can’t wait to meet your girls, though before we go to them, I have to tell you some deeply unfortunate news.

She supposed she could ask them if they’d plucked any tiny pups from the wilderness, though Tiuttuk sensed no such thing had happened. It was far too improbable. They would’ve delivered him home post-haste and, by now, simply too much time had passed for little Peregrine to have survived.