The Blizzard (Stories Etched in Snow)

Chapter Eight

Nix peeked nervously through the treeline, quivering in the squall that had appeared as she was returning to the den. The snow was a white blanket, blocking her vision. She could barely see Salamander's tree from where she was standing, the pines barely shielding her from the blizzard.

Like a wisp, Gradient appeared behind her, brown eyes glittering with worry. "So, why did you leave?" He questioned, his head tilted slightly to the side, seeming almost puppy-like. Nix's eyelashes fluttered rapidly as she blinked. Time quickened. Her blood pulsed furiously in her veins. Her tensed shoulders touched her cheek.

"Can't think of an excuse, huh?" Gradient growled jokingly, a soft smile illuminating his lightly freckled features. Nix's chin was tilted upwards, her gaze fixed upon his gentle hazel irises. "It's fine, I guess. I don't have a sense of justice. I won't tell Mum or Dad." Her littermate swivelled around and placed himself down underneath a pine, watching as the chilly precipitation showered heavily upon the ground. Nix joined him.

🐺 🐺 🐺

Nix flinched; Kirenu and Boldow were arguing once more. Boldow had challenged Kirenu to a sparring session. "No." The oldest of the litter replied bluntly, simpling declining his declaration of war.

"What?" Boldow's amber eyes glowed with outrage, "You were the one who said you wanted to compete with me for the throne, yesterday!" Their sister, who was silently spectating, flinched. Boldow and Kirenu loved each other. That was obvious, and yet they were constantly attempting to one up each other.

"You have a direction in life!" Kirenu burst out. "I don't! What kind of hope do I have for a future that I don't even know that I want? You're so set on becoming the alpha. I'm challenging you because I can't do anything else! You're lucky, Boldow." His voice shook. A hush fell upon the wolves in the den. Gradient picked at his pads uncomfortably.

"I-I.." Boldow appeared to be chewing his bottom lip. Kirenu clapped his paws over his mouth, clearly horrified that he'd blurted out, his black eyes gleaming with embarrassment. Boldow's jaws parted like he was about to retort, but clearly thought better of it and remained silent. Nix found herself wondering if they'd even figured out their future alphesses yet, but kept the thought strictly to herself and looked back at Kirenu.

His shoulders quivered. At first she thought he was laughing. She was wrong.