The new mother rarely ventured far from the den, her three pups consuming nearly all her time and attention. On the rare occasions her mate insisted she take a moment for herself, she would leave reluctantly. It was never easy to part from her children, still so small, still so dependent, but she pressed on. The blood moon had left her uneasy. Something was wrong; she could feel it deep within her chest, though she couldn’t name what it was.

Determined not to let her anxiety take hold, Kirain made her rounds through the clearing, stretching stiff muscles as she went. Then, a distant howl carried on the wind, freezing her mid-step. Her ears perked sharply. One of their own, perhaps Senka, by the sound of it?

A frown touched her muzzle. Without hesitation, she broke into a steady lope toward the call, guilt pricking at her with every stride. She and Lestan had been so absent from pack affairs lately, and the thought weighed heavily on her.

It wasn’t long before Senka’s graying pelt came into view. Hello! Is everything alright, darling? Kirain called, slowing to a stop before her, chest rising and falling with quick breaths. Did something happen? Do you need anything? Are you well?

The questions spilled from her in a rush, worry softening her wide silver eyes. Senka looked healthy enough, for which Kirain was grateful, but perhaps the trouble was not of the body, but of the mind.