Dog Days Are Over

The sun is raising and, with it, the young Fatalis litter is stirring. Andromeda stretches amidst the pile of puppy bodies, inevitably hitting her siblings and poking her mommy’s belly. Grumbling can be heard but the small purple pup doesn’t mind, she has been jostled countless times and she knows it is bound to happen with so many small bodies being entwined in sleep. As the pups unwind themselves, Andy extracts herself the pile, spying her brother Charlie doing the same.

Once free, Andy moves to her brother and gently pokes him to get his attention. Pale blue eyes catch his bright cyan gaze and the quiet girl tilts her head toward the den’s mouth in silent invitation for him to join her. As the pups get up and moving, Andromeda stealthily slips out the entrance and into the wide antechamber beyond. She does not spare a glance backward, trusting Charlie will follow her if he so wishes.

Paws swiftly carry her out into the col where the wolves are beginning to stir and go about their morning chores. The sunlight touches her strangely colored coat and Andy pauses to drink in the warmth. Looking behind her, the small pup checks to make sure Charlie is following her and allows him to catch up with her before she whispers, “Lets go explore. What do you say?” Eyes dance with happiness as she tosses her brother a wink before leading the pair toward some caves she had found.

Her father’s snow leopard follows after the pups, making sure they do not find any trouble along the way and ready to intervene if needed.


"Andromeda Falatis"