[BEAR.]

The loss of the bird was quickly overtaken by the sensation of fear. Fernpaw froze, shocked by the familiar sound of Wolffang's voice, rooted into place by a voice he hadn't heard in an eternity.

(he wasn't ready he wasnt ready)

(where would he even begin?)

Fernpaw forced himself to swallow, mouth dry as he finally, eons after registering Wolffang, pulled himself together enough to face his Clan's deputy.

Wolffang. Who reminded him of Owltalon; of stability and home. (and he was undeserving, he'd been so bad, why now--) Insecurity made his pelt itch, made him drop his gaze from Wolffang, he was ashamed and it consumed him like fire. "oh," it was an echo of himself, a sound of surprise that escaped him. "Wolf..." the name felt alien, so strange after so long.

There was a tightness in his throat, a haziness to his eyes. He felt overwhelmed. (he wasn't ready) "Wolffang.." it was almost like a plea, a crack in his voice as he sank in submission near Wolffang's paws. His body was shaking in his sobs, unable to contain the dam further. "i'm sorry, i'm sorry--" he was sorry, he had failed. "i didn't..." he didn't mean for it to happen, "i didn't know going over there was bad, we stopped at the change in markers, i didn't.."

flash of fangs, glint of crimson claws in a dying light. choked breaths, a gasp for air. pain. all his fault. "i didn't want anyone to die."

[ @TheNyanCatMinecart ]