Watching the children interact drew a small smile across the ghost’s face. They were precious, truly, and most certainly pawfuls. When Ivan rose and gestured that she might pass, Devika shifted to give the mother ample space. Curious, she watched Ivan as she chuffed softly to her children and began to move.

It took a moment for realization to strike.

When Devika understood where Ivan was headed, terror seized the dappled she-wolf. She scrambled to her paws and bolted after her friend, skidding to a halt directly in front of her. Teeth flashed as Devika snarled, the fur along her back fully bristled. She was walking straight toward the Devil, with the children. Absolutely not.

The instant it sank in what she had just done, her ears flattened and horror washed across her face. Still desperate to protect her companion, Devika shook her head emphatically. Blue eyes pleaded as she lowered herself to her belly and crawled forward, gently resting her head atop Ivan’s paw. A pitiful whine slipped from her throat as she gestured back toward the den.

Her eyes begged, glassy with unshed tears.