Redtail Rise Phoenix

She had no choice but to narrow her focus to Redd then, especially when her sister rushed her. Masquerade sucked in a breath of surprise, then braced herself. There was no time to counter, only defend. She thrust her uninjured shoulder toward her litter mate’s teeth, shoving Redd back. Only then did the Caru get her chance to leap.

Gray and red blurred together as the she-wolves battled for dominance, the air punctuated with gasps, grunts and snarls. Masque fought determinedly, keen to claim what was a long time coming, and if not for her wounded shoulder, perhaps she might have bested Redd.

But her sister hit that sore spot and Masquerade’s leg crumpled. Before she could right herself, Redd pressed her to the ground, relentless. Masque snarled, refusing to give up even though she could no longer stand up. The earth churned beneath her as she fought the ground game.

But she was in so much pain, she had no choice. The spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. Masquerade abruptly went limp beneath Redd, breathing harshly. Her eyes cut to all the faces gathered around to witness as her sister snatched the crown she had all but handed to her just half an hour ago.

Masque shakily lurched to her feet when she could. Her bad leg would not take any weight, so she held it off the ground. She limped away from her sister without looking at her. She didn’t look at anyone, keeping her eyes on the ground.