Episode 72

I'm neither relaxed nor in good humour, but I pretend so as I call the cub en route to my office. He trots behind me, as mum as a sealed mouth entails. Anger dissipates from the lividness I have bottled up despite my honest efforts. Phoenix's news of a failed settlement has soured my cast. The youngling at my heels knows me well enough to detect my foul mood and keeps a reasonable distance.

"Has the body been taken care of?" I glance at Redor's lowered head as he hastens forth.

He reports in a mellow tone that does not rouse me more than the current. "It has, Alpha. As instructed, it has been embalmed. All that remains is for the transfer."

"Await my command for the next step."

"Aye, Alpha." He begins to slink away but straightens, refilling his spot at realising I've not finished speaking.

Snow crunches beneath my feet, adhering to the sole of my heavy slides. I revive the memory of carrying her across the field to our wedding. She'd been on the verge of lamenting at the sea of