Bearclaw Valley it’s got to come and find us, all we are is stars

Fraser was some distance away, but the cries were loud enough to hear. Merrick's partner. He whimpered, feeling the pain acutely as the all-too-familiar empathy overtook him. He knew pain, human or canine. He hoped everything was all right with the dark mistress.

He passed by the den, still keeping far to the shadows. Good or bad, he would watch over the scene, a silent sentinel. He would protect his master, and all dear to his master. Whatever it took.