Lights Out

Mother Absinth had granted the pups permission to leave the sanctuary of The Syndicate, as long as they took their companions with them. And until now, Zagan hadn’t thought much of it- he found entertainment in the diverse territories of his Father’s domain, enjoying his training sessions with his siblings and cousins.

But that morning, Zagan felt… different. He was driven by the insatiable need to expand his knowledge, indulge in his youth, and explore the world around him. If he stayed near the territory, he would be okay. Right?

Informing Mother Absinth of his departure, Zagan collects his companions and ventures south of the Polar Sound. He arrives at the mouth of a labyrinth, one far larger and more complex than the Syndicate’s cave systems. His curiosity beckons him inside, his panther’s enhanced vision guiding him through the catacombs. There is evidence of previous life here- and given Zagan is in his puphood, he’s eager to learn more.

Venturing deep into the mine, Zagan stops occasionally to investigate items of interest. He collects a remnant or two, keen on showing his treasures to his siblings when he returns. It must have been several hours - time moved fast for such a young pup - and Zagan’s panther was growing restless. It started ushering him away from a passageway to his right, using a massive paw to push him but Zagan retaliated. “Hey!” He growled, puffing out his chest and huffing at the feline. “I’m not done yet.” He was stern with his companion, reminding it who was boss.

And suddenly, Zagan was no longer alone with his panther and raven. The yowling of another large feline reverberated off the walls of the mines, resonating from the darkness of the labyrinth and filling the cavern Zagan was standing in. His pelt bristled, eyes darting around him, but it was dark and he couldn’t see very well. Gravitating to his panther, Zagan pressed himself against its leg, wanting it to protect him. But his panther was also on edge, trying to pinpoint the cougar's location before it could attack. But it was looming in the darkness, waiting for the right moment to strike.

"Speech"