Crumble

Summer was just another excuse to haunt the edges of the bay. She could pass it off as a thorough patrol, but really she just liked the salty breeze that rolled in off of the tide. It reminded her of the first harrowing trek across the channel to Ibis Islands, but it also brought to mind the journey back after their shelter had ended. They'd all grown fat and sleek off of the ocean's bounty while they had sequestered on the islands. Theory's coat had never looked better thanks to the taste she'd developed for fatty, rich fish.

Caught up in daydreams about salmon, she almost missed Corvus' heavy tread across the sand. Even from yards away she could tell that he looked miserable. She hadn't caught up with him one-on-one since before Rhyme's youngest litter had left the den. Now seemed like the perfect time. Making up her mind quickly, Theory loped up behind him and gave his tail a friendly tug. "How's my favorite cousin?"