The beast fell, the combined force of Cut Rock River too great for him to over overcome. once more, Orren howled in exhilaration, jumping up and down on the spot while he waited, very impatiently, for his parents' permission to come join the feast; the rebellious boy was at the end of his ropes, every second made it more likely for him to disobey, despite his determination not to do so. The moments dragged as Kisla and Maksim rose victorious over their prey, the sigh making a strange pride bubble within their impish son, his stance mirroring theirs unconsciously. Then finally, the mother turned to call for her children, and barely had the first syllable crossed her lips, before Orren was off, shooting across the distance like a copper lightning.

He was surprised to see Karina keep up with him, only slowing slightly when she was a few steps away, to regard the kill with her usual caution. The boisterous lad had no such reservations, he pounced on the deer, tearing into it like he had just watched his pack mates do it, ripping out a piece of warm, juicy meat and relishing the taste as he wolfed it down.

Eyes aglow, he looked up at his parents, licking his muzzle thoroughly. Then, with a broad, goofy grin spreading across his face, he announced: "That was amazing!" There were stars in his eyes as he looked, first at his mother, then his father, and then the rest of the pack gathering around them; Naia, Lachesis, Bastet, all reaping the benefits of what they had accomplished together; As a pack! He kept smiling as he continued to eat, filling his belly with the sweet venison. Occasionally he would glance to his sides, seeing his sister enjoying the fresh kill just as much as himself, and grin a little wider; This IS what it means to be a wolf! He thought, echoing his mother's earlier words.

Word count: 324

Thoughts ”Speech”