Flip the Script

Rhyme padded along quietly behind Shaye, a position he had frequented much more than usual. With everything that had happened, all of the blows he had taken, Rhyme had been even more quiet and reserved lately. He had spoken briefly with Shaye about what had happened, he had been emotional and in a bad place. He was feeling better, but his inner confidence had been broken. There was no quick repair. He sighed internally as their patrol started, he knew getting out and performing his duties helped to steady his heart, but he had to drag himself to do it in the first place. He hadn’t let his duties suffer of course, he just had to put more effort into beginning them.

Their progress was quickly halted by the appearance of Winter’s alabaster form. His own ravens were both back at their nest, the chicks would be fledging soon and he didn’t blame them for staying close. He followed Shaye as the bird led them to the edge of the rapids, the small forms of Noir and one of Tyranis’ brood coming to his eye first. After a moment he noticed Poem watching from a rocky outcropping. The two boys were the main show, they seemed to really be going at it.

He felt a bump of pride for his boy’s tenacity, but that didn’t mean he approved of the chosen opponent. The other boy was a guest, and Noir should have known better than to engage. Shaye managed to take on their guest and Rhyme charged forward to manhandle his son before the boy slipped into the fast moving water. He scruffed him, and though Noir struggled a bit he wasn’t much of a chance for his large father. One day the boy might seriously threaten the alpha, but now he was too small for that. Rhyme was not looking forward to that day.

Shaye said it all as she freed her lips, and Rhyme looked down questioningly at his son.