Well, it was clear Opal didn’t much like me lying next to her. As soon as I took the weight of my small paws, she lifted her teeth in a warning growl that made me blink in confusion. For one so young she sure was… angry. I moved my legs underneath my body in case I need to get up quickly and bolt away, but I remain down, even as she stands. I stay quiet as she announces one word and then she is there, pressing her nose into my cheek and moving it to my scruff. I sit, rather tensely, as she checked my scent. Why on earth did she warn me not to get too close and then get beyond close only moments later? Not wanting to anger the pup any further, I simply wait as long as needed. Soon as she finished, I shook my head, sending my ears flopping, before licking my scruff. Each silvery patch of fur needed to be perfect and her nose had shifted it ever so slightly. When I finished, I looked at her again, as she finally answered my question.

To be honest, I have no idea what she’s talking about. Watching? Watching what? We were alone here, surrounded by nothing but trees and heat. I was about to say as much before Opal growls again and mentions prey. I sigh, letting my ears fall flat on my head before rolling my eyes. "It’s too hot to surprise any prey plus I’m feeling tired. Maybe we can hunt later?" I said, falling on my side and stretching out in the grass. It’s dry and prickly, but once I moved myself just right I felt the ground cool my body in the shade. Another sigh escaped as I closed my eyes and felt myself trying to relax. But it was hard when the wolfess next to me seemed so uptight and ready to snap at the next creature to walk towards us.

"Opal, relax a bit. No one else wants to wander around in this dreadful heat. Everyone is napping or hiding away in their dens. Take a break from being a predator and just chill." Mom called it laziness. I called it saving energy. I didn’t feel hungry and I wasn’t in any hurry to get back to Asteraia and do some pointless boundary patrol. No, I wanted this time for myself and Opal. We could enjoy the summer heat and just nap, right?