art by crypsis
With each passing moment a sense of dread filled him. It wasn’t until Claudius’ voice rose from the rubble that his heart slowed some. Rain pelted on his back, his ears, filled his head with white noise. Only the ache of muscles as they ripped aside rocks and earth helped to ground him. Finally, his hand collided with a warm body and wet fur. A breath he hadn’t realized he was holding escaped him in a great rush.
“I’m here,” he called, and worked quickly to try and dig him out. “Can you move?”
As loud as he was, the storm was louder. Water filled his world and with it brought panic. Anatole had never been truly frightened of water, or swimming, but subconsciously the lessons of his mother had grown into a terror that would not be quelled. He had to get Claudius out and get them both somewhere safe. And the others—a pang of guilt struck him, recalling that he had more than just his blood to watch out for. Anatole was not just a lowly member of this Tribe; he was a part of it and needed to fill his role.
Despite the frigid air howling at his back, he was certain that something warm brushed against him. It helped to settle his heart, though his work was tireless and endless yet.
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