Nicholas, Glider & Others

What have I become
My sweetest friend?
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

Glider's heart pounded, his chest burned and his legs weakened when he pushed himself to the limits. At times he forgot why he was running; killing the daughter of an influential leader was a death sentence. There was no way to escape it. Sooner or later, the Haunters would get him. It was just an instinct to run. That's what he did from the start: he ran. He ran to find a home for Dove in Aspen Grove, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he just threw it all away.

"Stop! Just give up already, filthy hound!" Nicholas barked out, picking up speed and gaining on the old saluki. He knew the dog's aging heart wouldn't let him run for much longer, and before he knew it, Nicholas saw Glider trip and become trapped in the cold mud.

Dove and Silence followed the tracks through snow and mud, eventually nearing Glider and Nicholas. It wasn't long before Mikomi could also be seen on the horizon behind her mother and sister.
"You don't have to do this!" Dove shouted, her voice wavering. "Come on, let's just talk about it!"
"Talk?!" Nicholas growled vehemently at Dove. "Did your packmate give Luna Moth a chance to talk before he murdered her in cold blood?!"
"I know it sounds bad, but..." Dove gulped, her eyes glassing over with tears, "...my father was only protecting his pack from intruders."
Nicholas paused, clearly pondering the situation, and in silence he turned around to face Glider again. He said nothing when he approached the weary elder; his vicious snarl was evidence enough for his anger and intentions.
Silence rushed forward, but she was too late. Nicholas had jumped on Glider, grabbing his muzzle and breaking his neck for an instant death, then bolted away into the fog.

"Grandpa!" Mikomi trudged through the mud, making her way toward the scene, but fell to the ground when she saw her lifeless grandfather.
"He..." Dove whimpered, "He's gone..."

All was silent as they mourned.