Swiftcurrent Creek pearls

Solemn, he remained outside the den after the pups had fallen asleep. Their cries for their mother had been unwavering until sleep had taken them—regurgitated meat and soothing warmth did little to assist them in their tenacity.

So when heavy eyes fell upon Lestan, Akavir began to pull himself up to his paws, indicating Lestan should be as quiet as possible—if they woke, he did not know if he could settle them once more. Nodding a bit away from the den entrance, his tired eyes fell upon the man, only now noting the glint in the eyes of his distant cousin—had he always seemed so frayed?