Whitebark Stream The blurred world is filled with dust

Exhaustion tugged at her eyelids, whispering sweet nothings through the mind of the new mother. With her hatchlings tucked comfortably against her and her body easing, eager to rest, she could think of no reason to deny herself sleep—not until footfalls reached her ears and the air smelled of another, someone beyond her den. Suddenly engulfed by the urge to protect her sons, Kaori stood just enough to cover them, body hovering over the twins in a protective stance. A low, uncertain growl rose from her throat, a warning to whomever lurked outside. She was far too caught up in what instinct deemed necessary that she did not realise who it was outside her den—not until he spoke.

There was a moment at which she relaxed, finding familiarity in the voice that greeted her, but a moment later she was tense again. “Artyom…” she called back, gaze locked on the mouth of the den. Although his voice was soft and she wanted nothing more than to trust that he would bring no harm, hormones alone prevented it. “I… no, I am fine.” She was fine. She was alert. She had two little boys to call her own. All was well—all would be well, she hoped.

“Why… are you here…?” she asked, birth-muddled mind already playing out a thousand different scenarios. He is going to take them, one thought insisted. He will harm them, another added. Crouching further down, she kept herself coiled around and hovering over the new Draconids, using her body to shield theirs.