As if anything else could possibly go wrong for the Downs wolves their water was now frozen solid. Minka had spent the last several hours throwing her body weight down against the ice, trying in vain to fracture its surface. Gritting her teeth the woman tried again, slamming her now sore and bruised shoulder against the solid water. This time she didn't stand to immediately try again, rather she laid there feeling defeat sweep through her. Now not only was she a failure of a mother she was a failure as a leader as well. She had lost her children to the winter and now she couldn't even provide water to her subordinates because winter had taken that away from them too.

It was the lowest point that the Lagina woman had ever felt, no longer was there any light in her life only overpowering darkness. Instead of fighting back as she had done until now Minka closed her eyes and let the emotions consume her, feeling every part of her being go limp. She had failed her children, she had failed. For a long time she laid still on the ice, but after many minutes went by the tawny body shuddered. She couldn't do this, she couldn't give in but she didn't have the energy to fight this alone either. Without lifting her muzzle Minka called for her mate, the note low and full of mourning, she was giving up and she needed Tokino there to either lift her back up or grief with her. Minka was tired of trying to fight this alone.

Like a mystery without a clue

Minka & Tokino

There is no me if I cannot have you