The Paralupines

The sun rises over the plains of the tundra as you tread dangerously close to the border of the frigid glacier. The chill in the early spring air coats your lungs, invigorating each step as you search for your next meal. A growl resounds around you, lifting your fur on edge as the familiar pains of hunger decline to accompany it. Your muscles tense, your body preparing to fight or flee. Shadows flicker in the corner of your vision, before taking shape through the heavy mist setting in.

A red and cream she-wolf appears before you, strange golden markings glinting in the sun as eyes the same shade appraise you critically. A pale male stands silently beside her, dark rings around his lightning sparked eyes. You blink several times, unsure if you truly see the wild electricity flickering at his paws. Curiosity loosens your muscles as you observe the strange wolves, until the she-wolf smiles to send a chill down your spine. It didn't reach her sharp eyes.

"Bold of you to wander into an unfamiliar territory, little wolf. Did you not learn from the ancient horrors that roamed these lands? Or were those before your time, perhaps? Your ancestors surely would have told you."

"Are you cryptids?" you ask hesitantly. They certainly smelled normal enough. Different, but distinctly wolven.

"Mmm.... No. But that doesn't make us lupine. Does that frighten you?" You hesitate to answer, prompting a barking laugh from the she-wolf. "We are The Paralupines. Long ago, our ancestors were blessed with power from cosmic entities far beyond the scope of little cryptids. We pose no threat to you... so long as you refrain from giving us reason to.

"You will know our borders by the lightning scorched earth that line them. Pass through, socialize, hunt if you must. Remain friendly, and you will have friends. Turn hostile, however, and we will show you horrors beyond your worst nightmare."