Hoshor Plains run rabbit run

exit Rian!

With both boys now safetly within reach, Rian ushered them both ahead of him as he turned his back on the two most important, and only, wolves in his life. His paws felt as if they were encased in solid stone, and the effort of even pushing his body into motion was taxing on him both physically and mentally. Every step he took as he accelerated after Titmouse and Redshank reminded him of what he was leaving behind.

And it was because of that tugging, unrepentant ache that he chanced a final look over his shoulder, diverting his attention away from the path. He saw his brother's squared off, until he didn't—suddenly he was falling as his leg gave out and twisted uncomfortably beneath him. The cause: a small washout from the recent rains created a divit in the path. His teeth slammed together as his chin collided roughly with the loam. Rian tasted blood, and felt the sharpness of the sprain zing up through his shoulder as he regained his footing.

He shoved the pain aside as he picked up the pace and herded the boys away from the danger, and back to the safety of the pack. Liffey was beside him—a streak of gray and black. Rian kept his eyes fixated on the boys, unwilling to meet her gaze for fear of the mirrored emotions he might see within them.