Slay yawned, snuggling closer to his mate's warm fur. He couldn't quite fall asleep, though she was slumbering peacefully in his heavy arms. The arctic wolf smiled dozily, nuzzling into the crook of her neck. She kept him happy. He had that troubling feeling that something unpleasant was on the horizon, because good things could never last, but... for now, in their idyllic halcyon, he could lose himself in her.
A faint howl sounded outdoors, muffled through the walls of the church. His white-tipped ears flicked. He didn't recognize the feminine call, but it sounded nearby, too deep in the heart of their territory to be anything but a packmate. Assuming whomever she was was merely hunting and calling for help, he grunted, nudging Cercelee's slim arms delicately away. As Head Hunter, this really fell under his jurisdiction... and he'd be back in moments to warm up beneath the covers.
The burly Luperci lumbered over the threshold, his wide footpaws padding lightly over the dewy grass. Pale eyes scanned the gloom, trying to locate where he was being summoned. He hardly knew anyone in the pack anymore, and no doubt they wouldn't recognize him, the recluse. If he had to introduce himself, it would take more precious time away from his mate... Sighing, the broad-chested male tested the faint breeze, trying to pinpoint where he was going.
To his surprise, it wasn't a deer that he scented, but an old friend, long forgotten with the changing of the seasons. "Leland..." he breathed, a slow smile wreathing his muzzle. That wandering husky had drifted back here, had he? Cercelee would have to forgive him for not being there when she awoke. Leland's rare visits took precedence. He hastened his pace, veering through the trees to emerge before a small cabin, surrounded by a shabby picket fence. Intermittent smoke rose in wisps from the small chimney, and as he drew nearer, one of two shadowy figures noticed him. The female started sobbing and scurried back into the house, slamming the door behind her. Perplexed, Slay's eyes fell on the other figure, the gaunt red and white skeleton that languished before him. That couldn't be... "H... ello?" he rumbled cautiously, ice-pale eyes sharp with concern. Not Leland, not a chance. What had happened to the jolly friend he once knew?