Whitebark Stream This is a world of dreams and reverie.

Contentment. Happiness. What had his life been before Dawn, before these pups? The pale Alpha crooned affectionately to his brood, knowing then that he'd simply floated through existence this past year. This family he'd made gave it purpose, meaning, and as he cracked an earthen eye open to observe Storm's little waving paws, Artyom knew he would die for them.

He lifted his muzzle so that it hovered above his ashen daughter's reaching limbs, and dipped it just enough that she might succeed in her newest venture.