(April 24, 2025)

Rex stared at the wolf cub.

“Woof,” they said.

The cub canted his head to look up at them, his blue eyes bright against the white-and-dark-grey coat.

Rex held no fear standing next to the cub, although they knew the rest of the pack had to be here somewhere. This was their forest, their territory, and even if the animals couldn’t speak to them in words, they understood nature’s language.

Which was how they knew that something rotten had crept into the edges of the woods. Something corrupt and bleak that threatened to strip away everything they loved about their home.

And they were ready to fight back.