STAKING MY CLAIM

Taking purposeful strides across the terra, Valentine entered the newly claimed lands. His face was smooth and devoid of emotion; a careful mask to cover the turmoil within. At present, the yearling was solidly numb, the familiar howl that had rung out to claim the discarded pack having chilled him to the core. The boy was at a loss for how to feel and so with his emotions warring for dominance, he approached the gathering of wolves.

Nearing them, his pace slowed and he raked his gaze across each form until they rested on the only one that interested him. Cataleya. He moved closer, each step panther soft, until he stood just beyond the reach of the group. There he sank to his haunches. Perhaps this was not the time or place for a reunion, but he was determined to have one. He had to speak to her, this woman who had birthed him. He had so much to ask, so much to say.

He picked an emotion and let it course through him, felt the power of it set him on fire. Fury. Blindingly hot, it singed the wound in his heart, burning away the scab that had let him live for all those months, had kept him from bleeding out into a puddle of heartbreak. He felt sick and exhilarated all at once; both ready to do battle and spill tears of anger. His lips curled in the only display of emotion that managed to crack his visage. In an instant the expression was gone, his features blanking once more.

All at once, Valentine realized he couldn't do it. Not here, not in front of her wolves. No, he wished for a more intimate setting and so, once he was sure his mother was aware of his presence, the yearling turned and walked away coldly. If she wanted anything to do with him at all, she would come when she could.

-exit Valentine-