“That is so utterly and completely CRAZY!” Tyri barked loudly, her ears flattened. “There is NO way this is going to happen!!”
Dikon didn't say anything, but he looked uneasy. “I….don't know, Wy.” he whispered, eyes wide. Nothing scared Dikon. But this did.
“Oh, come on!” Wyla barked. “It's the only way to save Milo!” she lowered her head in a protective stance. “It's the only way.” she said again in a whisper.
Dikon heaved a large sigh and shut his eyes. “Look, Wyla….we would do almost anything for Milo, you know that.” he turned to look at Tyri, who nodded in agreement. “But this….this is too much.” he shook his head, taking a step toward Wyla.
“Wy, you can't ask this of us.”
Wyla didn't know what to say. “I-” she was cut off by a head poking into the den.
“It's time for our Great Howl!!” Laykita's eyes shone with excitement. “So hurry up!”
Tyri bounded after her. “Don't have to tell me twice!” she giggled.
Dikon glanced at Wyla, shrugging as if to say, ‘We'll talk about this later’. With that, he turned and followed after the dark brown fea. He padded after her, newfound excitement within him. He was about to be an official adult!
Wyla sighed and followed the two at a slower pace. She knew she should be happy, but Milo's image kept coming back to her. She squeezed her eyes shut before leaping onto the Highrock.
“I stand before four pups, o’ great moon. Pups who are worthy of your grace and power. Let them become noble followers of you and let them have the strength and will and loyalty of the best wolves.” Alpha spoke gently, yet his voice was strong and filled with power.
Dikon puffed up his chest, almost feeling the power of being and adult surging through him. He tossed his head back and let out a billowing howl along with the other newly adults.
One by one, each other pack wolf joined in until finally Alpha did. His voice was the strongest and loudest. The voices merged into one powerful, heartfelt song. It made the young wolves feel like they were going to explode with happiness. Alpha finally stopped, and so did the others, one by one.
Wyla was so happy, she had almost forgotten about Milo. Almost. The young she-wolf stood at the top of the Highrock with the other three pups, their tails all wagging. She wagged hers a little, too. But she couldn't help but feel like it should be five wolves on the Highrock, instead of four. Wyla looked around in the crowd of the pack, eventually finding MiloÂ’s small form at the very back.
He caught her gaze and smiled, looking very happy. As if he was happy for her enough to not be sad. He mouthed to her, ‘Good job, Wyla!’
Wyla smiled and held back a few happy tears. Milo had always been beside her. And even though he wasn't beside her on the rock, he was with his faith and happiness for her. Wyla wagged her tail more strongly.
“Pack!” the Alpha barked. “I give you four strong wolves! Each a worthy addition to our pack!”
The crowd of wolves broke into cheer of pure happiness. The sound filled the clearance, dancing through the air. The sound of the birth of four adults. Four wolves who would change everything.
Snow and Sleet Mix, Clearing at Night
