The crisp night air rushing through my fur felt exhilarating, the sounds of my pack close behind me keeping me confident. Our plan was going smoothly, much better than it had this past winter and we were close to having our dinner. With a few short yips, as practiced, we split formation and advanced. Seeing one split from it's herd, we moved in with grace and speed. Cutting it off from its herd, we lured her in and we took her down. Beautiful, slow beast, she was large and well fed, meaning we would be too.
Bellies full we made our way off towards the den, some running while others trotted and played. Mostly the younger pups who had energy and playfulness driving them on. Once home we rested, bickered and joked with one another, life was good for us. I took my place and laid down to sleep, my head propped up on my paws, I kept my ears and nose alert.
Mother moon was shining dimmer than brother sun, the sky painted with the colors of morning. Sounds of the pups waking with their mothers woke me. With a yawn and stretch I was suddenly attacked by small teeth and paws. Grinning, I yipped and nipped at the playful pups who still fancied to play with me.
I heard a few excess sniffing from my lookouts and with a growl, we fell silent. My head lifted, barking at the pups to pause their play, I lifted my head and sniffed. An odd smell drifted towards us in the wind, exchanging short, concerned glances everyone got into position. Standing tall I advanced from my perch over the pack towards my betas. Small nods and short barks and they went out swiftly and carefully. The pups too young to be of much assistance went deep into the den to hide.
My heart flipped at the sounds of yelps, my fur bristling I dashed forward without thought. The trees and bushes blurs as I ran towards my betas, their cries soon dying out, my heart raced with worry. Slowing down once I neared the scent, I crouched, keeping out of sight as i scanned the area. Then i saw them, talk, smelly, no fur and on only two legs, they had small sharp sticks and bowed branches tied with what looked like a thick strand of webbing. Keeping silent, I barely breathed, these creatures were hovering over my kin and the sight and sound of flesh ripping, so familiar, suddenly made me sick.
Carefully, miraculously, I was able to make it back to the den to start an early migration, urging the pups to hurry along. Once everyone was out and far enough away, I stopped to look back, wanting to howl for the loss of my kin. My ear twitched at the sound of twigs and leaves distressed and i quickly hid. It smelled again, stronger than before and footsteps just beside me. I bared my teeth, growling with all my might and jumped at a similar creature.
Suddenly, there was a loud yelp, the noise familiar yet startling. It was from myself, but how was it so? I looked up, the creature was above me, his small sharp stick was in my side. I felt myself struggling for air, my world became hazy and it lowered beside me, it smelled differently than the ones who got my kin. Whining, i managed a growl and tried once more to land a bite on the beast but missed and was pinned.
I struggled but not for long, the creatures voice rang out, a soft noise and then there was nothing. In the darkness I heard my pack, their howls calling for me. I silently urged them to keep going, to be free, to live their lives. Soon, even their voices were silenced.
