Lone Roamer

Relief filled her, the sun was returning and the illness was fading. From all of them. All except for one, who she wouldn’t think of at that moment. Venom was scouting beyond their borders, curious to see how the rest of the lands endured. Ashen was in a sore state, many of its members including both alphas were recovering from the ordeal. Her children struggled to overcome what had happened. Still, they persevered and the curse was lifting with a new dawn.

Normally Venom was not a creature of the day, forever night had not hindered her routine. She had never been so happy to see the sunlight. Slowly she was returning to her nocturnal life, and found the moon’s return to normal a sight she needed desperately. Its light was cool and healing, instead of menacing and horrific. She bathed herself in it as white gloved paws carried her through unowned lands. A few mushrooms and crystals remained in the shaded areas, clinging to existence but slowly whittling away.

Venom moved as if she herself were a shadow, and her sunset gaze scanned the area with precision. She caught a glimpse of someone’s silhouette through the swaying branches of the willow trees and found herself curious. What did this one know about the sickness being drawn from the world. Venom eased herself through the soft leaves, approaching with intent but not aggression. Dark silver tipped ears perked forward as she took in the stranger.

He was no wolf, but there were still similarities between their species, she just hoped he was smarter than a stinking coyote. ”Greetings, stranger.” Venom offered softly, but going no further in case he fled.