"…Good." Bruce exhaled softly.
But Ash heard him. Ash words was encouraging
But the howl in the distance answered back, closer now. Hungrier.
Swoosh. Figures moved within the blizzard, white shadows lunging through the storm with predatory grace, snow exploding beneath their paws as they spread outward in a tightening arc. They circled with silent intelligence, every step measured, every angle deliberate, their formation too precise to be anything but ancient instinct refined into strategy.
Ash growled at Bruce.
Not at the wolves… but at Bruce.
Bruce's brow lifted slightly. He couldn't understand Ash's words, not literally, but he understood the feeling behind that growl with perfect clarity.
Ash was trying to say,
'Don't interfere. These prey are mine. Let me fight.'
