Wapun Meadow grind to a halt

she feels a sense of relief as Merrick arrives. he speaks across the meadow to the woman, and when he falls silent, Avicus speaks to him out of the corner of her mouth. i know her, she says quietly, then pauses. thinking back on their first interaction. then: she. . . i missed you. i'm so happy you're back, she recalls the stranger's words.

except it's a strange mimicry, like something dead trying to speak once more. the words that fall from her mouth ring unnatural. Indra, Avicus says, as if to clarify.

yes, the woman had greeted her with familiarity. but another unfamiliar wolf approached, and her hackles lifted. even more so as further words were exchanged—

how does it feel to have her back? does it make you feel better?

what is wrong with this wolf? Avicus keeps her cool eyes trained on the other pair, drifting back and forth between them. she thinks she may taste blood today. she thinks she may shed it, too. whatever transpires, something must be done; she cannot live with this uncertainty.