Fu Yao

Petechia moved with purpose, her every step measured and deliberate as she circled the edge of the pack's clearing. She had taken it upon herself to ensure everything was in order before the evening hunt—a task no one had assigned her, but one she felt obligated to carry out nonetheless.

Her mother's voice echoed in her mind. "Every wolf has a role. Find yours and do it well." Madre's teachings had shaped her, and Petechia had always felt a need to prove herself worthy of them.

As she checked the dens for signs of disrepair, she noticed Marbled sorting herbs nearby. "Need help?" she offered, her tone brisk but warm.

Marbled smiled. "Always. You've got an eye for detail, Petechia."

She dipped her head and began sorting the herbs without a second thought. While others might find the task tedious, Petechia found satisfaction in the precision of it. It wasn't flashy work, but it was necessary, and that was enough for her.

When she finished, Petechia looked toward the gathering pack and caught sight of her sister, Phantom, chatting with IndigoDapples. A pang of worry flickered through her. Phantom's laughter sounded a little too forced, her movements a touch too careful.

Petechia hesitated, her instinct to step in battling with her respect for Phantom's independence. In the end, she stayed back, knowing her sister wouldn't appreciate interference. Instead, she turned to Marbled. "If you need anything else, let me know."

Her voice carried the steadiness of someone who knew her place, even if part of her longed to do more—to be more. She wasn't a leader like Phantom or an observer like IndigoDapples, but Petechia had carved her role in the pack, and she would see it through.
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Petechia sat quietly by the stream, the gentle burble of water soothing her racing thoughts. Her mind had been a whirlwind ever since Marbled had confirmed what she already suspected: she was expecting pups.

Part of her felt joy, the promise of new life stirring hope in her chest. But another part—a deeper, quieter part—felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. She was dutiful to her core, but the idea of raising pups felt overwhelming.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Phantom approach.

"What's on your mind?" Phantom's voice broke through the quiet.

Petechia hesitated. She hadn't planned on telling anyone yet, not even her sister. But hiding something from Phantom was nearly impossible. "I'm pregnant," she said simply, glancing up to gauge her sister's reaction.

For a moment, Phantom was silent. Then she laughed—a sharp, bitter sound that made Petechia flinch. "Of course you are," Phantom said, her tone biting. "Perfect Petechia, doing her duty, carrying on the line."

Petechia's ears flattened. "Phantom, it's not—"

"Not what?" Phantom interrupted, her voice rising. "Not a reminder that I'll never—" She stopped herself, turning away sharply. Her claws dug into the earth as she struggled to compose herself.

Petechia rose to her paws, her voice soft. "I didn't mean for it to be a reminder. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Phantom didn't turn back, but her shoulders slumped. "I know," she said quietly. "It's not your fault. It's just… hard."

They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them heavy. Finally, Phantom turned, her expression guarded. "You'll be a good mother," she said, her voice stiff but sincere.

Petechia gave a small, grateful nod. "Thank you."

As Phantom walked away, Petechia watched her go, her heart aching for her sister. She wanted to bridge the gap between them, but she knew this was something Phantom would have to navigate in her own time.

For now, all she could do was focus on the life growing within her and hope that, in time, her sister would find peace.