Another wolf was approaching her. The pup’s heart began to race in her little chest. Longing and fear entwined in her body like twisted forbidden lovers coming together to steal a brief moment of pleasure. She twisted where she was, trying to find a way to escape. Flee and save the stranger from whatever she would bring to them. It was not until Pariah realized she completely surrounded that she gave up on her flight and gave in to her secret desire to see another of her kind. Pressing herself against the stones at her back, Pariah paced back and forth, her red collar lifting instinctively in a defensive threat. Her teeth did not bare, but her eyes stared Malina down, every movement carefully watched and calculated. Just because she could not run away did not mean she would not try again.The adult wolf seemed to be careful as she approached. It brought the puppy a little comfort. Tipped ears flicked forward curiously as Malina spoke to her. A skill had been complimented and it took the puppy completely by surprise. If she had been so good at hiding, she would not have been found. Even so, it gave her hope that she could do better. If an adult was able to claim she was good at hiding, clearly she was. Her blood splattered stone face brightened and her tail mirrored Malina’s wag and she stepped carefully forward. Daring to hope, dreaming to do so… until Malina asked her next question. Pariah recoiled almost immediately.
Memories flooded her for a moment. Red eyes blazing and jaws agape to close on her. Curses, screams and blood chasing her. Fending her away and calling her back. Ruthless attacks coupled with blood that spewed from those jaws that had once gripped her.
The danger of that curse dead and gone, at least the one aspect, she thought of the things she had done since then. Sneaking in, taking what was not her’s, running before she was seen. It had become her life to take life from those around her. Ears drooped and her once excited body lowered back to the ground and took a step back. A soft whimper of shame came through her nose and she closed her eyes. What was she good at? Nothing good. Did she answer? She supposed she should.