death of deep blue | open

[BLOODHOUND.]

They might have paid attention to the others that had approached, if they weren't neck deep in dark water and desperate to save a flailing life within. For now, their focus rested solely on Ivan, how he struggled, how his strength had begun to wane.

Bloodhound's jaws closed over salt water, first, getting a good taste of it. They wasted no time in their second attempt to snatch the listing boy, their jaws finding his soft torso and gently catching him. He struggled at first, surprised yelps and mewing, until he seemed to realize what was going on. They were careful with the little one, their snout in the air as they paddled back to shore, keeping Ivan above the water.

Upon reaching shore, the wolf made their way over to their discarded mask and cowl, laying the kitten down upon the cloth, away from the sand and rocks that would love to stick to dripping fur. The water had been cold, in comparison to the warm day. The temperature might not be as welcome to such a small creature, as it was to them.

They wheezed, little black hairs from the boy's pelt irritating the back of their throat. Bloodhound shook themself dry before turning to Ivan, lowering their head to meet his level, concern evident on their face.

"Are you well? My teeth did not hurt you, did they?" They ask, their voice soft.

THE TRUE TEST IS BEFORE THE ALLFATHER.