There Is Only Reflection

Pain nagged and clawed at Aureus as he walked slowly toward Wolfpaw Lake. Kali had offered to help but Aureus had swiftly refused, not the least bit interested in being treated like a total invalid. His mood had soured considerably since the raid, his thought full of 'should of's'. He should've done more to recruit wolves to Aerie, more to train his fellow pack mates. Of course, he couldn't do too much more now that he was crippled. Aureus spat in irritation.

The afternoon was hot and he quickly sought out shade beneath one of the trees that bordered the area. He flopped down right on the territory line that divided the lake from the redrocks just northwest. He could see their exotic forms twisting into the sky. The looked washed out and bleak in the brilliance of the sun.