Prince of Wolves

h o w l

we are coming back from the castle to the cave with my bag full of food.

his ears are pricked.

listening.

then he stiffens.

he heard it first but now, I hear it too.

the howl.

the howl of starving wolves.

the howl of angry wolves.

the howl of rebellious wolves.

the howl of challenging wolves.

the prince howls back.

his voice overpowers.

they quiet.

we see them.

gathered outside of the cave.

prince howls again.

they shrink back.

he stalks towards them.

leaving my side.

their eyes gleam.

but he is approaching.

one by one,

they dig their cheeks into the snow.

turning their neck to him.

showing their belly.

eyes rolling.

they are still quivering.

quivering with want.

with need.

with anger.

but they know, now is not the time.

prince bites the ear of a wolf who doesn't get down quick enough.

he barks in pain,

in anger.

❄️