Oh ... You thought?

Mother Absinth had accompanied Zagan and his siblings to Auster, as they were interested in the ethereal events occurring on one of its beaches. The rumors of an entire territory being swallowed by tremors in the earth were exciting, but also, unnerving. What if a catastrophic event like that happened in The Syndicate? It seemed to be linked to the crimson haze that lingered in the sky, which cast an eerie glow all across the continents, the North included. The events must have been tied in some way- but how? And what better method to gain information, than to go and investigate for yourself?

While Mother Absinth searched the forest for their next meal, Zagan and his siblings chose their den for the night. The air was biting cold, the temperature dropping by the minute so there was no time to waste. All around them, an oppressive silence hung in the air- the crunching of underbrush beneath their paws was amplified in the stillness, echoing like a warning in the trees. The aspens loomed all around them, urging them into their sanctuary- as if they would be hunted by a phantom if they did not seek shelter soon.

Nearing the den, Zagan is about to rush inside- but a rancid, stomach-churning smell freezes him in place. Standing beside Xairo, he shares a look of suspicion with him. The smell was coming from inside the den. Had someone invaded their temporary home while they were out exploring? What was waiting for them inside the abyss?

Steeling their resolve, the trio takes a step inside. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he was overwhelmed by the strength of the rancid smell- it consumed every inch of the cramped space, creating a suffocating, noxious cloud that disgusted him.

Their temporary sanctuary had become a threat. In the corner of the den, was the silhouette of a mangy, disease-ridden wolf- its fur matted against a visible frame of skin and bones, with a single eye that glared at them. Daring them to come closer. Around the wolf, the shadows seemed to shift, conveying a sense of imminent danger.

But Zagan was not going to tuck tail and flee- this was their shelter, and they outnumbered the wolf three to one. Even without Mother Absinth, Zagan was confident he and his siblings could chase the trespasser out of their den.

Locking eyes with the wolf, Zagan issues a challenge, locking them in a battle of wills. The tension in the air was palpable, thick with the weight of dominance and submission. “Leave.” He growls through bared fangs, the quills along his nape standing erect as he bristled his pelt.

Word count: 445

"Zagan Saxe"