The dawn didn't break with the usual quiet chirping of mountain birds or an argument between the males. Instead, it arrived with a low, chaotic chatter that vibrated through the stone walls of the den.
Hana's eyes snapped open to the sound of a low, vibrating growl that seemed to shake the very bedrock of the cave. The bright LED light, which she had dimmed to a soft glow before bed, was now competing with the pale gray light of a crowded morning.
She sat up, rubbing her temples. Beside her, the spot where Kulu had laid was empty. In fact, all three of her mates were already at the mouth of the den, standing like a wall of impending doom.
But they weren't arguing. Hana wondered, if it wasn't them doing the arguing, then who?
"What's with the noise?" Hana muttered, standing up and smoothing out her dress.
