Riarxis had been slumbering peacefully until the squeaks and squeals of his sister split the air, dragging him rudely back to consciousness. He let out an annoyed huff as he stirred. His eyes blinked open, only to be greeted by the same endless darkness.

Frustration bubbled up immediately, sharp and familiar, and he released it in a short, irritated yip.

Refusing to let his limits keep him from being involved, he nosed his way toward his squealing sibling and gave her a gentle nip. Shhhh! he snapped, far more forcefully than necessary.

Couldn’t she just behave?

It was only after shushing her that the scent on the wind finally registered. It was… sweet. Too sweet. Sickly, almost. The intensity irritated his nose, overwhelming and unpleasant. There was a faint floral note beneath it, something almost nice, but it didn’t help much.

With a small huff, he buried his face into Mama’s fur, seeking refuge from the cloying smell, just as his sister had done.