Marcia stared in shock and horror at the sight unfolding before her. The trees, the grass, everything. It was all going up in flames. Her grip around her pup tightened as she began to run. She had to get out of here! The moon above shone a bright red like the flames that were consuming everything she held dear.

Her newborn pup cried and whimpered, not knowing what was going on. Marcia did her best to fight the urge to stop and comfort her. They had no time for that.

The ground beneath Marcia's paws was scorchingly hot, and all around her trees had begun to collapse. Still, she ran on.

The smoke from the flames, as well as the heat had Marcia panting from exhaustion. She knew she couldn't go on much longer.... But... Her pup.... She had to live!

As that thought struck her, a flaming tree collapsed right above her, and she let out a terrified yelp as her pup flew from between her teeth. There was no help in sight. Marcia tried to crawl to her crying pup, but she was pinned down, with no hope of escape.

She howled despairingly, hoping someone, anyone, would hear her. The sound of approaching paws brought with them new hope for Marcia and her pup.

The source of the noise stopped in front of Marcia, and peered at her face for a moment. "Marcia!" Her mate, Lunar whispered, staring at her in shock. How had this happened?

The mewing of the pup caught his attention, and he turned to look at her.

"Please, get our pup out of here Lunar." Marcia pleaded, knowing her mate's first priorities most likely involved saving Marcia herself.

"We must get you out from under that tree though." Lunar growled already trying to push it off of his mate.

"Please Lunar. I'm begging you." Marcia yelled, tears brimming her eyes.

Lunar stared at his mate for a moment, not knowing who he should save.

Marcia glared at him determindely. "Lunar, you are strong, but you have no hope of getting this tree off of me alone get our pup out of here before the other trees start falling and crush you too!"

Lunar growled as he stared between his mate and his pup. This was an impossible choice, but Marcia was right. There really was no hope of getting her out from under that tree alone. "Marcia... What would you like to name the pup?" Lunar closed his eyes, hating himself for actually choosing.

Marcia was silent for a moment. "Name her Scarlet. For the scarlet moon that shines above us tonight. It just seems.... Fitting."

Lunar nodded his head, and picked Scarlet up off the forest floor. He began to run, but couldn't help but look back one more time. Marcia's eyes had closed. He could tell she was simply waiting for death.

Marcia, I broke my promise. I did not protect you, I am more than sorry. Please, forgive me.

He let his tears fall as he ran with his pup. He had failed to protect his mate. But... He would NOT fail to protect his pup! A new determination sparked within him, urging him forward.

Yes, this time, there will be no failing. Scarlet of the blood pack, my daughter. You are safe as long as you are by my side.

This is the first co-written book Sophie or I has ever attempted to write, so ya know, go easy on us!

Anyway, Sophie and I will be taking turns writing chapters. I wrote this chapter, and will also be writing all the chapters from Apollo's POV. Sophie's got Scarlet's POV, so I'm sure you can guess who'll be writing the next chapter! :)