The air was crisp and cool that day, a blessing for wolves with full winter coats. Ciara’s coat had come in healthy and thick, the golden facets shining in the autumn sun. Fogs of breath came from her nose as she trotted along the borders, scent-marking to fortify their lines and insuring all was well. She was in a rather good mood, for her own reasons, but didn’t feel right to show it. Adonia, the mother of Zalen’s future pups, had been taken from them in a bloody kidnapping and it had set everyone on edge.
Once again the Epsilons had taken to tirelessly patrolling. Augustus was north of the territory somewhere, Ciara to the west, and Shadowfang and Kiara choosing between themselves. Ciara enjoyed having more Epsilons to work with as part of a team, and being all the same rank solidified their camaraderie. The golden beauty was confident that together, along with Tharin’s strength, Zalen’s bravery and all the elements of her pack members, they would overcome this hurtle and destroy the dog bitch Amy.
Ciara was fantasizing ways of killing her as she scent-marked a tree when suddenly she heard a stranger’s howl close by. Tawny ears swivelled atop her head to catch the noise and, after finishing her mark, the Epsilon turned in the direction of the caller and began a sprint. She didn’t recognize the call and as she got closer, she couldn’t place the scent either. He was wolf, though, and alone as far as she could tell. Would New Dawn get another warrior or guardian to defend against Amy?
Excited, Ciara gave a short bark to announce her presence before she walked stiffly up to the male, posturing. She was a very strong female, and very proud of the rank she had. She had fought off cougars and a trespasser, chased away bears, and was skilled in the ways of fighting. A male looking over her might not think so by her lithe, feminine shape, but he would be soon to realize his wrong if he mistook her for weak.
Ears erect and tail lifted high, Ciara looked down on the stranger laying on the ground. He looked weary and lonely. Ciara’s heart wrenched for him for she had been the same way when she’d arrived at the borders, close to this very spot. She hoped he wanted to join, because she knew that New Dawn was a fantastic home. A good judge of character, Ciara studied him for a moment and determined he was no one to be suspicious of before her melodic voice lit the air.
Hello. I am Ciara, Epsilon of New Dawn, the pack whose borders you are on. What brings you here?
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