The spring had come and gone and summer now claimed the land. The sun beat down on the plains, causing the creatures to seek shelter in the shade. Nakato sat at the entrance of her den, watching her growing children play together. Ever since the night Tobias had attacked her she had been secluded to the den, only leaving to hunt and relive herself. It was starting to take a toll on her, however, as she began to feel the natural urge to be with her pack mates. The cubs had grown strong, though Jakuta was still small compared to her much larger sister. But both appeared to be healthy and it was that reason that Tobias had spared their lives. The healer didn’t know why the black wolf had come in the middle of the night, but she couldn’t help but wonder what he would have done had either of her children had a weakness in his eyes. She had tried to fend him off, but the larger wolf who had rage in his eyes had easily over powered her. The new mother could only watch in horror as he entered her sacred place to do who knew what to the pups within.

A sudden yelp snapped Nakato from her thoughts and she gazed up to see Athena pinning Jakuta down. The little silver wolf struggled but could not best her sister. With a light chuckle, the grey wolfess stood up and gave both her children a fond lick on the head. “I have to go now, my darlings. Please stay close to the den and if anyone approaches hide inside and wait for me to come back.” Both girls did as they were told, though Jakuta looked a little annoyed, and she was free to head out.

Her stomach did not growl in hunger. The herbs within her den were well stocked and no wolves had come to her for aid. There had been a death during the hunt, but the wolf had not been close to Nakato and though she had mourned the loss to the pack, she had not grieved for long. The druid had also been wounded during the hunt, her shoulder still bothered her to the point where she walked with a slight limp. But, all in all, things were quiet in Asteraia. Jaidah was dead, or so rumor had it, and no other wolves would dare challenge the dark duo for the rank of alpha. Her home was secure and life was good. So why did she feel so depressed? Nakato found herself wandering aimlessly with her ears drooped.