Fall of the Packs: Void

Chapter Two

"Did you have a good day?"

Minerva nodded in response to Desert's question and she ever-so-slightly smiled. Desert felt a flutter of warmth in her heart. "I'm glad. What did you do?"

"Jade and Emma showed me around the territory," Minerva answered. "It's a lot bigger than I imagined. They said they'd get started on the basics of defense soon, but I needed to know the borders first."

"It can feel so overwhelming at first," Desert said with a nod. "But it won't be long before you know the forest like you know your own paws. During times like these, especially, it's very important to know where our territory ends and another pack's begins."

Minerva paused for a moment, her face thoughtful. "They took me to the border with Wind Pack. It was strange seeing so much land without any trees. We saw some Wind-dogs in the distance."

Desert pricked her ears. "They didn't make trouble?"

"Jade had us leave almost immediately. She said I wasn't ready for any conflicts yet."

"Well, she's right," Desert said. "But you will be, soon enough. You should probably get some rest. I'm sure you're worn out, and tomorrow won't be any easier."

Minerva nodded with a yawn. "Goodnight, Mom." She stretched and headed to the edges of the clearing where the dogs usually slept, up against the bushes which served as a barrier around them.

"Sweet dreams," Desert called after her. "I'll join you soon."

She turned back towards the center of the clearing, where most of the dogs were still gathered. The sun had already set, early as usual in winter, but several dogs were still awake, talking about their day and gnawing the last shreds of meat off of their meager meals. Close by to where she and Minerva had been eating sat Draco and his pups, who appeared to be not tired at all.

"How much longer until we become trainees, Daddy?" asked Jas.

"Yeah!" Gannon agreed. "Now Minerva gets to go outside and see everything. When can we?"

"About five more months," Draco replied. "Maybe sooner, with the way you're growing."

"Awww, but that's forever!" Jas protested.

"It'll be over before you know it," Desert said, coming closer to join the conversation. "It seems like yesterday that Minerva was smaller than you two."

"I can't wait!" Gannon jumped up and spun in a circle in excitement. "I'll fight Wind Pack harder than anyone else!"

"I'm sure you will," Draco said, smiling proudly. "But a warrior needs his rest. You and your sister should head to bed."

"Can we still sleep with Minerva?" Jas asked. "She's not too big for us now?"

"You can try it," Desert said. "She might growl but she won't bite. She might appreciate the company, even if she doesn't say so."

Draco gave the two of them licks and nuzzles goodnight and they scampered off. His face soon grew serious after they were gone. "They're still so thin," he murmured.

"It can't be long before the prey starts to come back," Desert said. "Winter is nearly over."

"How can we know?" Draco asked, turning to look at her seriously. "The entire past year was rough. What if the prey never comes back?"

Desert narrowed her eyes. "You must be tired. You don't normally share your insecurities."

Draco raised up and looked down his muzzle at Desert. "I don't have insecurities. I'm thinking out loud. A good alpha thinks about the future."

"That may be, but there's nothing you can do about it," Desert said. "The deer won't come back if you ask them nicely. And besides, can't you just take more from Wind Pack?"

Draco looked hard at her. "Goodnight, Desert."

He stood up and walked away. Desert sighed and looked at the ground.

"What has it been between the two of you?"

She turned to see Bravo, one of the hunters, ambling up to her. She scoffed. "The same thing that's been between us since birth. We're siblings; it's natural, isn't it?"

Bravo laughed slightly. "Well, yes, I suppose, but I mean more than usual. It seems as though nearly every conversation you have ends in an argument or... very tense stares."

"I know, I know," Desert sighed. She shook her head. "Things haven't been the same since he became alpha. And I promise that its more than the fact that he isn't just my little brother anymore. It's just... different."

"I know how you feel about this war with Wind Pack," Bravo said, lowering his voice slightly. "Most dogs do. I might feel the same. But Emma and Samuel and Baron all believe in it entirely, and I'd rather preserve peace in my family than voice my disagreements."

"Then I guess you have greater self-restraint than I do," Desert said. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just feeling worn down, after... everything. This winter has been the longest of my life."

Bravo nodded, his eyes gentle. "I understand. Emma and the boys drive me crazy sometimes, but I can't imagine life without them. I know you've heard this before but I'm so sorry. We all miss Balder terribly."

"None more than me," Desert said with a sigh. "But talking about it doesn't really help anything."

"Sometimes it does," Bravo said. "It doesn't make the pain go away. But I've found its better than keeping it all inside."

Desert looked down, saying nothing in response. "Well, I should get to sleep," she said finally. "See you in the morning."