Redhawk Caldera IGNIS UMBRA

Suddenly, there was commotion ahead. Elwood's eyes shifted to Pantaleimon, who cried out and then darted away from the rest of his group. In the next instant, he collided with an elk, receiving a kick to the ribs. The white male went down, and simultaneously Elwood felt a presence at his haunch.

He knew who he would see before he even looked back. He glanced down at Eljay, whose face was contorted with the effort of trying not to cry, and knew that he had to drop out of the hunt. He couldn't endanger Eljay or the rest of the group by being selfish and continuing. Eljay was much too distraught to be left behind, and his presence could only cause more issues for the adult wolves. He especially didn't want to take away from Wildfire, Nightjar, and Raven's first hunting experience.

So the father slowed his pace, allowing his team to draw away from him. "Go ahead," he called to Peregrine, and then he circled back towards Pantaleimon with Eljay in tow. At the very least, he could check on his packmate, although he had no medical knowledge to speak of. "Come on," he murmured to Eljay as he trotted towards Pan.

When he reached the subordinate's side, he came to a stop. "You okay?" he asked even as he examined him, looking and smelling for signs of blood.