no way out of this dark place

Odette’s paws hurt, even though she had been carried most of the adventure they had taken she was exhausted. Her poppa had fallen into a tunnel and they hadn’t been able to get him out, then she got so tired she had to rest so her Daddy went ahead to scout ahead for any danger. She was frightened, but did as she was told and stayed put. Her Daddy would be back to fetch her and then they would go back and find Poppa and finally be on their way home. This was like a trip from hell and she was ready for it to be over.

She hunkered down but could not sleep, she was too frightened for that. Her wings were pulled in tightly against her body, with her little short tail curled as tightly to her hip as possible. She was all but whimpering, only the thought of her Daddy coming back for her kept her brave. Then the thundering began, the earth rocked beneath her paws and she stood back up, her muscles tensed and coiled as she heard screams echoing from further away. They sounded far too much like her Daddy for her liking and she felt a sharp pain of dread strike her heart.

Then, very suddenly, Sashimi was racing towards her. Tears fell from her eyes and her fur was singed and burned. Odette’s mouth fell open, but before she could utter a word the dog commanded her to run. So she did, knowing full well her Daddy was dead but refusing to accept it.

"Odette"