Siru's eyes lifted from herself towards whoever spoke at her side—a stranger, another wolf, tall and fair. Her eyes lowered briefly, down to gaze at the frost-laden shore. Her own paws that splayed against the stone, once supple fingers replaced with rough pads and savage hooks that dug into the ground. The question was asked with a lilt so gentle, yet, she could not understand his words. She offered a glance.

'Did you wake here?'

Her lips pursed. How would this question be answered?

I had never slumbered, the maiden remarked, yet, it seems so. I have awoken here— her gaze rose to meet his, steady. Where am I? A question asked with the hesitance of a newborn fawn's first steps. Her tongue flashed out from her lips, ghosting over the damp skin of her nose.