The pups were glad to see they had a new play mate, and it wasn't long before Zepher was the new target, as they chased him around. But it seemed the yearling enjoyed the attention. Tonrar leaped forward and grabbed hold of the black and white wolf's tail, digging his paws into the ground in front of him to pull back, growling playfully. Then Hinto tackled the new wolf's back leg, and Hokee the other.

Watching, the rest of the pack looked amused, laughing as the pups eventually brought down the other.

It turned out that Zepher's parents were killed by Nayati when he was a pup, and his family was killed too. By some miracle Zepher escaped and had been in hiding. He was thrilled to know that Nayati had been killed and everyone was happy for him.

It was a great relief to everyone that Zepher was allowed in the pack. Along with the games played earlier, it assured them that Achak wasn't dwelling on another hybrid being in their pack. But one day, Nayeli, Hinto, and Tonrar reminded their father of the surprise he had for them. Achak was a little reluctant, but he gave in with a smile.

"Daddy, what were you gonna show us! You promised that when Nayeli got better you'd take us somewhere! Where are we going!" They'd ask. Hokee was sitting in front of Kiona, being pretty curious himself, but knowing better than to expect to go with them.

The alpha looked around as if he was going to give them an excuse not to surprise them. "Well...I wasn't sure if you'd still want to...but I was going to show you our territory." He smirked, looking at them out of the corner of his eye. The three pups cheered and howled in unison. This was extremely exciting to them. They hadn't really seen anything much further than the area around the cave, but now they were going to see everything.

"Are we gonna see it all today?" Tonrar asked.

"Heheh, no, its too big to see it all in one day." Achak explained. "Some other time, I'll show you what you don't see today."

"Alright!"

"Can Hokee come too?" Nayeli chimed.

"Maybe next time." Achak said, trying to keep a smile on his face. He turned around and waited for the pups to follow, but didn't start until he looked back at Kiona, who looked like she wanted to go as equally as she wanted to stay. She wanted the pups to be with their father.

The pups were just ecstatic. It was amusing. Seeing them could bring smiles to every pack member's face, especially now. As Achak, and the three pups started leaving, everyone wished them a fun time. Nayeli was trying to give them all little nuzzles as she passed them.

Finally getting away from the caves, The pups didn't know what to do with themselves at first, just running around their father and weaving in between his legs, almost tripping him a few times. When the alpha finally nudged them away from him with a chuckle, telling them to go explore but stay within his sights. With excited yips, the three took off, Tonrar and Hinto soon going after each other, tumbling through the brush as they play fought and chased each other. Nayeli was staying nearby, her nose to the ground as she took in all the new smells.

"Hey, Daddy? What's this smell?" Nayeli asked after sniffing a plant. Achak got a bit closer and sniffed the plant she did.

"That's the smell of a fox." he said.

"A fox...isn't that like us? Only small and tricky?"

"That's right."

"Will we see one?"

"Probably." he replied looking around for Tonrar and Hinto, who were still chasing each other while howling. He looked back at Nayeli.
 "What else do you smell?"

"I smell..." she sniffed. "Deer!"

"That's right." Achak smiled, nudging her with his nose. They were on a deer trail right now and it was no surprise that Nayeli recognized the deer's scent, considering she and her brothers ate deer before.

After Nayeli finished giggling, she looked at her brothers who were nearer by. They were still howling.

"Daddy? How's come Mommy never sings like us?" When she said "sing" she was referring to the howling that she, her brothers and the rest of the pack did. That question grabbed Hinto and Tonrar's attention and she crept closer to hear the answer.

Achak seemed a bit stumped. He never really wondered that before. Kiona was just not much of a howler. She certainly found other ways to express herself, but just the same, she was part wolf, but she never howled. "When we get back, let's ask her, ok?" The pups seemed content with the answer. A bit of mischief gleamed in their eyes, but they continued with their father.

Not too long after that, the group finally came across another animal. some squirrels had come down from the trees to forage for fallen food. Their furry tails twitched as they hopped along. They seemed unaware wolves were nearby and headed their way, chittering away at each other.

Tonrar was the first of the pups to smell them, and instinctively, without even thinking, crouched down into the grass, his pupils dilating. Even at the pups' age, their hunting instincts were strong. The other pups then looked over, heads cocking to the side in confusion. Then they seemed to catch the scent as well, and followed suit after their brother, noses to the ground as they searched it out. Behind them, Achak watched with a smile, proudly, letting the three lead.

At the edge of the grass before it died off into rock and dirt, the pups laid waiting, ears folded back, bodies low to the ground. They could smell the smaller animals, and see them through the grass as they moved around, not seeing them. As they got closer, Tonrar, followed by Hinto then Nayeli, growled and leaped out from their hiding place.

A couple squirrels ran up a tree in fright one by one, until it came down to the three pups chasing after one squirrel. It was too quick and nimble for any of the clumsy pups to catch. It seemed to be toying with them, but they didn't care. This was fun and they planned on getting this strange animal.

Tonrar managed to cut the squirrel off a few times, almost catching it, but not quite. When the
squirrel had its fill of fun and grew tired, it scurried up a tree without second thoughts.

The three pups stared up the tree, panting, with their tongues happily lolling out. They all started barking at it, but Achak said it was time to leave the animal alone and to move on. There was still sights left to see.

Achak watched his offspring with soft, admiring smiles. They really were turning into fine young wolves. And he, with Kiona, would be sure they grew up to be just that. The whole pack would, as it was how wolves acted in a family group. Tonrar, Hinto and Nayeli were lucky to be able to grow and learn in a large, loving pack such as their own where they were taken care of by all members.

The small group stayed out most of the day, returning when the alpha noticed the pups getting tired. They had whined at first, saying they weren't tired of course, since they wanted to stay out and explore more. But the large silver streaked wolf ended up carrying Nayeli half way back to the caves. Once back, the three had all but collapsed in the back of their parents' and their cave, and had quickly fallen asleep.

Achak then went in search of his mate, finding her sitting out on one of the cliffs the two of them like to be alone together at, looking out over the territory.

They spent a good deal of the night cuddling with each other and Achak telling her about their day. Kiona wished she was there, also reminding herself how badly Hokee wanted to go; but didn't tell him that.

The next day Kiona and Achak woke up at the same time, and not soon after their pups did too, excited for another day of sight-seeing.
Kiona watched the three of the pups gather at their father's feet, waiting for his okay to go. She wanted to much to be with them today. She knew spending time with their father was important, but...just for today she wanted to be with them.

"Achak," she said, walking towards them. "I'm...going with you today."

The alpha looked forward to his mate, happy for a moment that she would join them. But then he frowned, seeing the brown pup peeking from behind the cave entrance wall. She would want him to come.

"Are you sure..?" he asked. "It might be best for you to stay behind..for now."

The red hybrid was a bit perplexed. She thought he would be thrilled for her to go... Just the same, she took another step forward, her face close to his, and replied firmly, "I'm going." Smirked and took
it upon herself to lead. Her pups were ecstatic about both parents going.

Nayeli started saying, "Can--?"

Kiona interrupted her, as if she knew what she was going to ask and called for Hokee to come along. He pattered out of the cave towards his adopted mother, then slowly slinked past Achak, only to speed up again.
Achak, defeated, shrugged, then smiled at his mate, following her, and paying the least bit of attention to Hokee as per usual.

When it came to Kiona, Achak couldn't stay made for long. Plus, of course the wolf enjoyed her company. He loved her very much. The large black wolf knew he probably should have asserted himself with the female. She may be the alpha female, but he was still in full charge, and responsible for keeping all the pack members in line.

They walked side by side down the path to the woods from the cliffs, watching their pups romp and play ahead of them, sometimes running over to weave between the alphas' legs as they chased each other happily. The excitement from the pups was hard to resist, and once and a while, the silver streaked wolf would bump sideways into Kiona playfully, catching her off guard. Of course she would catch her balance again quickly, and, not to be outdone, bumped him back with a smirk. But being only half his size, the red hybrid barely tripped him up.

The two's little game went on for a while, rather having fun with it. It was turning into 'who could make the other fall over first'. They each had their own advantages. Kiona was swift on her feet and small, while Achak had his size and weight against her. The blue eyed wolf waited for just the right moment, as the other was preparing to slam into him again. Just as his sharp eyes saw her body shifting, the alpha stopped dead in his tracks while they were walking, causing the female to stumble past in front of him, having nothing to 'bump' into and keep her up. It was rather ungraceful looking, and Achak couldn't help but chuckle.

Kiona, after quite the stumble, caught herself and playfully glared back at Achak. She charged at him and tried her best to leap up and lick at his face as "punishment."

Achak was getting a little overwhelmed, but obliged in the game by rolling to the ground, giving her easier access, which she took great advantage of. Both of them were laughing now, Kiona still "attacking" Achak.
The pups stopped and whirled around when they heard all of the noise behind them. Nayeli was giggling while the boys were a bit more confused. Soon they all were laughing at their parents acting like pups.

    It wasn't long before the pups, save for Hokee, had joined in, leaping on their grounded father and 'attacking' him as well. Not to say Kiona was done with the alpha. As Tonrar and Hinto gnawed on his legs and ears, the female was on top of him going at his face. The male couldn't help but laugh, yelping a couple times when sharp puppy teeth bit down a bit hard in their play.

Eventually Achak 'fought' back, getting back to his paws and lightly knocking his little attackers on their backs before turning to his female and doing the same, pinning her down and returning the same attack. But being larger, Kiona would have a hard time escaping, and they both knew it.

"Now what hm?" the alpha said in the other's ear before nipping at her neck. He winced a bit as he felt the pups attack him again, one tugging at his tail, the others at his legs again.

No matter how hard she tried, Kiona couldn't escape. Luckily the pups were on her side. Eventually, being exhausted from the laughing, they pressed forward. They explored a little more of the territory, being warned and re-warned about things like humans and bears and moose. Nayeli was a little scared of the humans now, but she did her best to show courage.

Lunchtime came around and Achak and Kiona were going to catch some rabbits for their food. But they decided to let the pups try to get their own food. They were big enough to at least catch something. Just in case, Achak left to catch at least two rabbits to hold them all over. But he was confident they'd get a squirrel. Especially if they worked together.

With Kiona watching them from a distance, and using a similar strategy from before, the four pups were able to catch two squirrels on their own. They paired up and helped themselves to their well-deserved meal. Kiona was very proud, to say the least, and wished Achak was there to witness it.

Returning, Achak saw the pups already eating, and asked Kiona about it. Needless to say the alpha was filled with pride at the news. Their first kill that they had done on their own...He had known they could do it And they all looked so happy to have done it too, their little tails wagging as they ate.

Setting the rabbits he had caught beside Kiona, the silver streaked wolf sat down, licking a bit of blood of his muzzle.

"You go ahead and eat, I caught the scent of something while I was hunting..." He wanted to keep watch and make sure nothing snuck up on them. The large wolf was sure to keep his voice down so only the female could hear. No need to scare the pups when they were having such fun.

Kiona lay her ears back. "What could it be?" Achak shook his head in response. Whether he didn't know or wouldn't say for her sake, she didn't know, but she watched him walk away, until he stopped to observe. He was still visible, so she continued to watch the pups and eat her food.

The pups finished their food and Kiona let them play nearby while she waited for Achak. She laid on the ground with her head up, listening to the pups yipping at a distance away.

Some time passed, and the sun was getting in Kiona's eyes, giving her a bit of a headache and making her feel like she needed to sleep. She got up to move and noticed Achak coming back towards her. She smiled at him until she heard the screams of their children.

"MOOOM! DAAAD!!" they cried running from the trees toward them. Kiona and Achak immediately ran to them, but the four ran right behind them. The two parents looked in the direction the pups ran from and saw a large bear galloping right for them, growling fiercely, fangs bared.

"Run!!" Achak yelled to the pups and without a second thought, they left, running as fast as they could. "Get back to the den!" He yelled after them.

Under normal circumstances, Achak would have stayed to fight and keep the other animal out of his territory. Same with Kiona no doubt. But this time it couldn't be done. They had to protect their pups! The two would not risk them, no matter what.

But as they ran, the alpha noticed the bear was still pursuing them. And the pups were unable to run too fast, so he and Kiona had to keep at their pace. And it was clear the four were tiring. With the bear hot on their heels...The silver streaked wolf turned to Kiona, determination swirling in his bright blue eyes.

"You run back with the pups, I'll stay and by you some time!" Immediately, it seemed Kiona was going to object. "Don't argue! Keep them safe, we cannot risk the pups Kiona!"

Kiona didn't reply but kept running alongside the pups, eventually looking back at him facing the bear. They all continued as fast as they could, but they were all too tired to go on. Eventually Nayeli spoke up as they slowed to a stop.

"Momma! Why'd Dad go back?" Her brothers asked too, obviously worried. Of course Kiona was worried too, but she had to protect them. And she would. She looked around and spotted an underground den dug from underneath a tree Kiona recognized from before. It would be too far of a walk for them to go back home by themselves, so she ushered them into the den.

"I want you all to stay in here and don't move until we come back for you." Kiona ordered. "I'm going to help your father." And with that, she ran back in the direction of the bear and her mate. She knew her pups would listen to her.

Kiona ran faster than ever to the aid of Achak and only pushed herself faster when she suddenly heard a painful cry from him in the distance.

The cry Kiona heard was the cause of Achak's attack on the bear. He had had to distract the furious animal from pursuing Kiona and the pups, and had gone into a number of attacks so the bear would focus on him instead of chasing. The alpha had leaped on the large creature's back, clawing and biting at it's neck. Somehow it had managed to loose it's balance and had knocked back into a tree, but also then slamming Achak into it between the bear and it. Hence the cry he let escape.

Once the bear moved away, the blue-eyed wolf leapt to the ground, shaking himself off briefly before letting out a snarl, still standing between the direction his family had run off in, and the animal, which still looked mad, and ready to fight. It charged, swiping its large, clawed paws at Achak. One just barely missed, breaking a dead tree in two, it crashing to the ground.

Darting around the beast, the large wolf leaped uptop it again, clawing at it's face and neck, tearing off chunks of it's thick fur.

The bear whipped around unmercifully, making Achak fly off, only to get attacked in the face by Kiona, who held on with her teeth when the bear reared up in pain.

Achak landed on his feet, skidding backwards a little, and he noticed Kiona, exclaiming her name.

Seeing his mate in danger, Achak leaped back into the fray, bitting into the paw that had been going for the female. He could taste blood in his mouth as he clamped on tight, growling fiercely. The bear roared in pain and anger, shaking it's head to get rid of Kiona. Stumbling back, the beast lost it's footing, tripping on a tree root, and fell back with a thud.

Now was their chance! Achak let go of the paw, and leaped for it's neck, clawing some before tearing into the animal with his fangs. But not before warning the red hybrid to be careful around the bear's face, and be sure to watch for it's claws. All they needed was to get the animal to leave, run away.

Kiona, nearly getting smashed by the impact of the bear falling to the ground, landed on her back and quickly regained her posture.

But the bear was only getting angrier, thrashing about, and not letting Achak get a good grip on its neck. The large animal got to its four feet and leaned to dig its daggerlike teeth into Achak's back. The alpha dodged only to get pounded with the bear's swinging arm.

Achak tumbled and was quickly pinned by both of the ursine's front paws. Kiona acted quickly and ran up the beast's back and seized it's ear in her fangs. Her plan to distract the bear away from the black and silver wolf worked, for the moment, but not to her advantage.

When the bear reared up again, he swung around, similar to how it knocked Achak off before, making the hybrid's body slam into a tree headfirst.

"KIONA!" Achak exclaimed, hearing her cry out from the blow. Now the bear wasn't at all concerned with Kiona, who lay still. He tried running to her side but was charged at by the bear.

The hybrid slowly lifted herself from the ground and opened her eyes. She felt warm blood dripping down her face and saw it speckle onto the snow. She stared at her own blood for a moment, in complete and utter shock. She had survived.

Hearing Achak's ferocious growls snapped Kiona out of her own trance and into another one, her pupils dilating, her fur raising up in anger.

He wished he could go to Kiona's side, but if he did, the bear would follow, and he wouldn't risk the red female getting hurt more. Snarling, the blue-eyed wolf moved to the offense, dodging a powerful paw as it swiped at him. Using its arm, Achak attacked the beast's face, swiping his own claws across an eye. The animal roared again in pain, moving to knock him off. But the wolf just managed to jump off in time.

That was when he chanced a look in Kiona's direction, and was relieved to see her getting up. Hearing a deep throated growl, his gaze shifted back to the bear once more, but was just a second too late in dodging the paw that slammed into him and sent him sprawling across the ground.

It was at that point Kiona lunged for the bear. As soon as it turned around, she leaped up, clenching her teeth around the bear's throat just under its jaws. The bear roared in pain, its skin actually breaking from the hybrid's bite. The bear whipped around, trying to break her neck, but she held strong. It tried reaching for her with its own bite, but couldn't quite reach. The only effective thing was its own claws, trying to rip her off, but without injuring itself.

Kiona had large gashes on her hind leg from the bear slashing at her (it wasn't a lethal wound, but still would be painful), but she paid no attention to it. All she focused on was making sure she saved herself.

Achak recovered from his fall and looked up to see Kiona at the bear's neck. The ursine was fumbling about in a panic trying to get the smaller animal off. Had she gone insane? The alpha stood up in hopes of trying to help her.

The bear managed to get Kiona off, but whatever she did scared it off in the direction opposite of where their pups ran. The hybrid breathed heavily, watching it run away. She turned and saw Achak standing there, staring at her. Her pupils dilated and she smiled at him before collapsing to the ground.

Seeing her collapse certainly didn't do any good despite the fact that the bear ran off. His bright eyes widened as her red form went down, before he moved into action, running over to her in just a couple bounds. "Kiona!" Bending down, he hovered around her as he looked her over. They were both bleeding, but the hybrid was worse off than him, obviously. Lowering his face to hers, the large wolf could see her brown eyes were dazed looking, her breathing heavy.

They couldn't stay here, especially since Kiona was injured as she was. They needed to get back! Glancing around briefly to get his barrings, the silver streaked alpha bent back down to his mate. Not wanting to cause the female anymore pain, but knowing it necessary, Achak spoke to her. "Kiona, I'm taking you back, bare with me..." slowly, and as gently as he could manage, he slipped in under the other, maneuvering her onto his back.

Achak walked as fast as he could without hurting Kiona more in the direction their pups were. He followed their scent, intending on getting them to follow him.

"Please, Kiona, be alright..." he whispered to her. "I need you..Our cubs need you..."

It only seemed like a matter  of seconds by the time he found their pups. They immediately ran out to their father.

The pups all crowded around their parents, scared and immediately concerned about their mother. They could smell the blood on them both, which also made them nervous. Tonrar, always being the most bold, spoke out first.

"Dad is that bear gone?! Why's mom on your back, is she okay?" his wide blue eyes expressed the emotions they were all feeling; fear. Achak, just as worried, if not more, knowing what had happened, tried to reassure his pups.

"She's alright, just tired. Lets hurry and get back now..." All four of the young wolves huddled close to their father and alpha as they hurried back, the silver streaked male careful so Kiona didn't fall.

Achak ceased any further talking to Kiona. He didn't want to encourage the pups to speak to her, then worry and wonder why she didn't respond. They still kept staring at her, wide-eyed and frightened for her well being.

He could feel her, tho. She was there to stay and protect their pups. He had to hurry and get her back; he couldn't keep her moving like this. She wanted to continue, he knew, but she would have to wait.

The alphas and their pups made it back to their den, immediately were met by the others, who were all panicked and questioning what had happened to their alpha female.

"She's alright," Achak said as he lay her inside the den. "She just needs rest." He took a moment to look at his pack and assure them she was alright. But the faces he fronted were devastated and shocked at him.

Ayashi looked down at her friend and left the cave, not showing her face to anyone. Everyone else surrounding Achak and Kiona just looked at him with expressions he couldn't, or wouldn't, understand.

"Achak.." Kanook spoke. "Do you not see? Kiona's..dead."

That word froze the large wolf throughout, his entire body stiffening, bright blue eyes widening. Then fur ruffling, the alpha snarled, eyes then growing furious as he turned to his beta, tail going erect.

"How dare you. Are you really so bold as to assume such a thing?! Did you not hear me? I said she's fine!" Just like always. Kiona had survived loads of injuries in the past, and this wasn't any different. The female was resilient and stubborn. It never failed to aid her however.

On the way back, Achak could feel her presence and warmth, so...No, his mate was still alive. The wolf knew.

Kanook's face saddened, ears back, but he did not shrink back from his nephew and alpha's anger. His dark blue eyes meet with the others furious brighter ones. 

The rest of the pack all looked at each other and slowly exited the den. The pups wanted in, but Takoda and Zephyr wouldn't let them. Zepher was feeling bad for the younger pups, but Dartanion ordered not to say anything just yet.

Olathe and Kanook remained in the den, looking at their alpha, but eventually left as well, to let the two have a moment.

Perhaps if they left Achak to himself for a bit, he would come to himself again and realize the truth. The darkness of the cave concealed the alpha inside. Anyone besides Kanook or Dartanion was kept away. They knew when the large silver streaked wolf was angry, he was very dangerous.

After a good few hours, Kanook finally decided to check on the other again, perhaps try and reason with him now that he had had the time to cool down. Approaching the cave, the cream and chocolate colored beta peered in first, blue eyes searching. Then, walking in, could soon see his nephew. He was curled up around Kiona possessively, head lain over her neck, near her own head. Bright blue eyes locked onto him as the older wolf entered, but he remained still.

Stopping near the two, Kanook sighed. Achak's fur had ruffled some again now, clearly showing he was still agitated.

"Achak, stop this now, you need to realize that Kiona..." his gaze lowered. It pained him greatly to even think about it. He had taken Aya and Olathe off to comfort the two females earlier, both of which had grown close to the alpha female. They all had really. "She's gone Achak..." Stepping closer, he paused as the other growled deep in his throat, large white fangs being shown from behind a black and silver muzzle. But the alpha said noting, only staring.

This had to end...obviously Achak was in denial. But he must have known his mate was dead by now...her body had now grown cold. Her once captivating, unique scent was now mingled with the smell of death. Kanook knew it was dangerous to go closer, with the other so on edge, but he had to do *something*. He moved in, knowing he was overstepping the boundaries. Achak snarled loudly, and shot up, and attacked.

The beta just managed to get out of the way before Achak lunged at him, just missing his throat. "Achak, look at yourself, do you think this is how you should be acting right now?!" he shouted back. If this was how it had to happen then he would fight his alpha. The silver streaked wolf lunged again, though his attacks were pretty sloppy and readable. Kanook dodged, and whirled, making his own moves, intention never to win or draw blood, but to make the younger realize. Sometimes, getting out everything through even fighting was a way to deal with issues.

Finally the opportunity came. Achak attacked and it was dodged. The next thing he knew, he was on his back, looking up at the cave ceiling in shock. Kanook was on top of him, panting and staring fiercely down at him. But there were tears in the cream and chocolate wolf's eyes. "Stop Achak. Just stop, please! Look at us, we shouldn't be fighting! You need to wake up and realize Kiona is gone, dead! She's not coming back and she's not fine! I know you're hurting, we all are, but this isn't the way!"

Achak stopped himself from attacking Kanook again and stared angrily, and painfully at him. His uncles words were indeed reaching him, and the alpha hated it.

He pushed his uncle off him with his hind legs and let a growl slip out, tho he didn't attack. He picked himself up, with some effort, and faced his mate.

"Leave." Achak demanded.

Feeling as tho his nephew had been reached, Kanook left him again to be alone with Kiona.

The silver-streaked wolf stared down at the red hybrid, tears beginning to form in his eyes for the first time since his father died. He nuzzled her face with his nose, hoping that by some miracle, she would wake up; that Kanook was wrong about her.

He breathed her in, hoping to feel the same way he did when he first met her. But when her new, dead scent reached him again, it was all he could take. And without sparing a moment, he lay himself over her and sobbed into her neck.

"Kiona..." he breathed, tears falling. He kept asking himself, or some greater power, why it had to be this way. He had not been happy like this before. He knew eventually lives had to end, but why were the ones he cared for disappearing so tragically? He did ask her to stay earlier that day, but he felt that he should have been more firm with her. If he made her stay with the pack, she would still be alive.

Then he thought to himself, "But then our pups might not have been." Or would they? If Kiona stayed behind...and he ordered the pups to run like he had done, would he have been able to scare that bear off himself? For a moment, he was sure he could have done just that, but then remembered what a brute that beast was. And how Kiona fought it off to protect her family. How he did his best to protect her. How his best...wasn't good enough to keep her alive.

He continued crying into her body, getting as close as he can to her, even if death kept them apart. He didn't know when he would stop crying, mourning his great loss. There would always be a large empty hole in him now that would never heal again or be filled. Kiona had been special from the every beginning, and the wolf didn't know what he was going to do without her presence around.

And the pups...how were they going to be without their mother? And they were still so young, too young. How was he even to begin to explain to them that their mother could no longer be with them. Would they be able to understand it? It would be their first real experience with death, how horrible that it had to be Kiona. And how would they react afterwards? Would they be forever changed? The alpha didn't know, but wasn't very hopeful.

For now, Achak just wanted to stay where he was, until he was ready to finally let go. The wolf just couldn't make himself pull away just yet, it was so hard. And they had all just begun to live as a family...now it had been torn apart, the future knocked into uncertainty. Things would never be the same again. He would never be the same.

But suddenly, as the silver streaked wolf was getting caught up in his deep thoughts, his ears caught a sound he knew very well. His tired, sad, dulled blue eyes opened, tears still freely funning down his face as he looked towards the entrance, where the sound was coming from. Then another joined it, and grew, more and more chiming in. His pack, his family and friends...they were howling. The accompaniment of all their different voiced together in a sad, lonely, yet beautiful chorus to the heavens. Pouring out their souls in harmony through song that only wolves were blessed with. Achak couldn't help but be caught up listening to it. They were giving their respects, and saying their last goodbye to a dear friend and pack member they would never forget.

And without even noticing, the alpha had soon been pulled into the eerie song, his voice joining the others, it echoing through the cave to the outside, his own sadness thick in it, as well as his love. And their testament continued through a good portion of the night, no doubt their voices carrying throughout the forest, and out into the sky.


Goodbye my friend


Goodbye my love


Until we meet again...


Goodbye, Kiona.



TO BE CONTINUED...

Not the final addition to The Brown Hill Spirits. Continue reading with us to find out what's in store for the pack in the days to come.