Bloody Ransom

The Aspen Dam, a vale of plains and trees, far from the lands they usually haunted. Only one other time had she come so far across the landbridge, but this was to be the beginning of the pack she had sworn her allegiance to. Her monochromatic fur was obscured by a set of armor, and her eyes burned with an intensity that spoke of unwavering determination, and plenty of bloodlust to boot. She was a creature of cruelty, her fierce will ready to face whatever opposition they met. Easily she prowled alongside her bandmates, her lips twitching as she fought to maintain her hard exterior. Her senses were alert, guarded and on standby to unleash herself if given the command. To her right, she held back a chuckle at the steely expression on Aresenn’s face, really – he had to be positively boiling underneath that facade. Or maybe his rationality was obsessing over the details.

At the head of their strategy lay the alpha's child, a young wolf pup who had strayed too far from the safety of his pack, and had taken the proverbial candy from a stranger. Oh that lovely Kaino. And what a foolish child. Were children raised with weak parents always so naive? So trusting? Where was the hardship, the survival instincts? The boy seemed more of a guest than anything. Absinth knew that their actions would invite the wrath of their enemies, and their allies, but she also knew that if this was the weakest pack in the lands, they would concede by force – or suffer numerous deaths. She didn’t really mind either way, if this went the route of smooth blackmail or hostile takeover. More fun for her.


wormwood