Dominance: Betrayal

3

As I ran through the forest, branches caught on my coat and ripped tiny hairs out as I whimpered in pain. My breathing was rapid and heavy, lingering in the crisp spring air. I tried to catch sight of Koda, but the leaves blocked my view. I stopped suddenly, completely unsure of where the heck I was heading. The only thing my icy blue eyes captured were trees, bushes, and plants that surrounded me like a green blanket. I gasped as another cub rushed past me, "Watch where you're going furball!" growled Stripsniff.

"Where are you going, Stripsniff?" I asked curiously, desperately needing an idea of where to go.

"Anywhere I can escape your smelly fur!" He laughed.

"Well if you only had fur you would know how hard it is to find a place to wash it when certain cubs poop in the pond. And by certain cubs I mean you Stripsniff." I smirked, and I swear to Fauna, if a wolf could blush Stripsniff would've looked like a wild raspberry. He glared at me before bounding away into the brush.

I looked into the evening sky and saw the faint outline of Phauna's star. I decided to follow the star wherever I went, I'd be gone for 18 months anyway.

                                                                          .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

17 months later

The tall grass swayed in the cool Autumn breeze. I used this as my hiding spot, waiting for the next bird to stop at the watering hole for a nice bath or drink. Just as I was get ready to call it a night, a plump marsh chicken plops into the watering hole. Drool drips down my snout as the smell of my next meal was carried to me through the wind.

I hunched lower in the grass and prayed to Fauna that my empty stomach would be filled. I step forward ever so slightly and wait to see if the marsh chicken had heard me. Getting no response from the bird, I continued to move forward slowly. When I was no more than 8 paws away, I lunged, and an awful screeching noise emitted from the marsh chicken as I snap its neck with my powerful jaws.

"Who's ALPHA 'round here?!" I mimicked the high squeal of the chicken with a "Kiara is". 

"Damn straight!" I chanted as my white paws dance excitedly and I howled in triumph. While I rolled in victory, a sly fox steals the dead marsh chicken off the ground and takes off laughing hysterically. With defeat and disappointment clawing at me, I slipped into my den with a pout.

As the sun fades from view and the moon rises proudly to claim the sky, I scratch another tick into the cave wall.

"Just 31 more moons and I'll be able to go home." I sighed as I lay down and rest my head upon my crossed paws. Just as I was drifting into a troubled slumber, the sound of leaves crunching could be heard outside. My head jerked up and my ears twitched. The sounds could be heard closer, and closer, and closer. My heart was pounding inside my chest and my breathing became very fast.

As soon as I thought someone was going to pounce into my den, the noises grew fainter, and finally I was able to sleep.

Koda

I knew she was there, in that den not too far off from the watering hole. I wanted to see her snow-white fur and ocean blue eyes again, but I would be breaking the oath. Wolves could not make contact with each other until the time was served. I found myself striding towards her cave, and had to force myself to walk away.

For Fauna.

I ran until I had accidentally stranded myself on a high cliff facing the full moon and howled until it hurts. I put all the pain and suffering I had endured into my dismal song and faded into unconsciousness, dreaming about the good ol' days.

Kiara

The sun rose with outrage, casting a faint red glow over the valley. As I stepped out of the shade of my den and into the light of day, large paw prints could be seen.

Fresh. Very fresh.

I decide to head to the watering hole first, and quench my long lasting thirst. I'd been so focused on getting food that I'd forgotten the importance of water. Even the thought of food made my stomach growl loudly. I walked a few paces away before spotting a large, fresh raccoon carcass. I looked around to make sure no one left it before taking off with this free breakfast.

Koda

I dropped the raccoon carcass and ran, hoping she found it before someone else did, then lingered in her den  inhaling the sweet scent of her fur.

Just 30 more days and I can see her. This is for Fauna.

Kiara

As soon as I stepped into my den I knew someone had been there. A very very familiar smell lingered in and around the place. I placed the raccoon down and breathe deeply, trying to place the smell with a face. It was on the tip of my tongue..