[doghouse]

Abysslight looked at her kits, and knew what had to be done. She didn't like it, but it seemed necessary for her kits' survival. She clambered to her paws, bending down to giver her kits a comforting lick, then grabbed their scruffs in her mouth, lifting them up. She carried them out of the nursery, picking her way around other queens and kits. She broke into a run, leaving camp, racing through the territory.

Sheerkit wailed fearfully as she swayed back and forth in her mother's grasp. She kicked and struggled, trying to escape. It was no use, and after a few moments she stopped and went still. The tiny she-kit yawned, revealing sharp white teeth that were now showing.