The Wall i put my fears inside

beneath the pressure of pads; thick fur. cooled coat. firm muscle. warm meat.

it was the fleshbone wolf that moved, not the paw, left hovering in air as rigid as the face, irises still white-rimmed.

the paw was set, the head tilted. peaks of folded skin shadowed the face again.

the laugh built from a stuttering, heaving sound. released in full, rattling frame like a bad cough, it wasn't too far off from bereaved sobs.

and it was the sound of utter, defeating relief.

"...ah. this halfbeast, shalt follow thee, fleshbone saint." curled tail swept the backside in light wags. "speaketh thy wisdom; guide these thoughts."