A flood of flashbacks broke through into the pup’s consciousness as Liquid Amber’s paw had moved to cut off her escape route. Too many times a white paw or a white body moved to block her path only to have jaws descend on her and snap at her flesh. Blind to the realities of the situation the pup let out a yelp of fear. Instinct grabbed her and her yelp turned into a quiet growl coupled with bites and nips as everything in her fueled her to flee. Already halfway out of the little space in which the encounter was happening she wiggled around Amber’s otherwise restraining paw. If there had ever been anything Pariah was good at, it was running away. Sneaking, stealing, and hiding all wrapped around in the one skill. To get away.

Liquid Amber’s words were lost on her when all she could focus on was the fear and the desire to leave the presence of the other wolf. The mere thought of joining a group, even a group of loners to spread the sickness or curse was too much for her small mind to grasp. Purposefully seeking others out, looking for the companionship that could cost everyone dearly was a black thought that she dared not allow into her mind. As much as she longed to feel the loving touch of another, she knew it would mean the death of them all. Closing her eyes against such a thought she raced along the trails and back into the mountains. No. Her place was far far away. Lost and gone forever.