---

In a way, the idea that there was a whole world beyond the den was something Cian didn’t actually consider. It knew there was, of course- it could see the outside from where it was sitting now- but it hadn’t occurred to the pup that it was for it and its family, too.

The thought of it is more than a little scary.

Even as its mother calls for them, even as its siblings follow, Cian stays near the edge of the entrance, shifting its weight a bit nervously. None of its siblings seemed to be bothered in any way, but they had all been stopped to touch the rock. And Cian didn’t even know what the rock did. Was it something to stop anyone from being mean to them all? Was there anyone out there that would be mean to them?

Scary. It says, instead of rushing out, at its spot near the entrance.