Tundra prowled the edge of the forest, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the snowy expanse. The cold bit at her fur, but she hardly noticed. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Timber, her only son, nestled safely in their den with the rest of the pack back in Glaze.
It had been a week since the attack. A week since a band of rabbits had ambushed her mate. The memory of his beaten body lying in the snow haunted her. She had never seen rabbits so aggressive, so organized. Her husband had been the strongest wolf she knew, but even he had fallen to their ruthless onslaught.
Timber had been there at the time of the attack as well. She tried to tell him "Don't look!" But to no avail. He saw it all, and he was still traumatized now.
With her mate gone, the weight of responsibility fell solely on her shoulders. Timber was young, and needed guidance, protection, and training. Every night, Tundra lay awake, anxiety gnawing at her insides. Would she be enough? Could she teach Timber all he needed to survive in a world that seemed increasingly hostile?
A rustle in the underbrush snapped Tundra from her thoughts. Her ears perked up, muscles tensing. She crept closer, silent and stealthy. The scent of rabbit filled her nostrils.
Her heart pounded in her chest, remembering what she witnessed before her seven days ago. She wanted to feel enraged and violently attack this rabbit just like her husband was attacked.
...But she couldn't.
No matter what, she wasn't the type to be outwardly aggressive.
She was just gonna have to settle for a stealth kill.
A small figure emerged from the bushes. It was indeed a rabbit who seemed to be traveling, judging from the scarf he was wearing. But not for long.
Tundra's heartbeat slowed down once she got the rabbit. Looking down at the body, which reverted to its primal state, she pondered.
"You were always more like your papa. Maybe you can be angry and violent in my place. Do it for me."
As she walked back to the den with their newly found dinner, the moon rising high above her, Tundra cast one last glance at the dark forest. The threat of rabbits attacking still loomed, but she felt a flicker of hope. She would protect Timber, teach him everything she knew, and together they would face whatever challenges came their way.
For now, they had each other, and that was enough.