15130 Million Years Ago, ChinaLong into the night, Grip howled over the bodies of his murdered mate and pups. The forest around him took no notice; its myriad creatures, revived by the cool of night after the long, hot day, screeched and chattered and chirped and buzzed like mad.
By the time dawn finally came, and the forest started to brighten, Grip had lost his voice. He kept trying to howl, but all he could manage was a feeble whimper.
For the thousandth time, he nudged his mate's body with his muzzle...and hopped back in surprise. He couldn't believe what he'd seen.
Movement.
Head down, he crept toward her, watching carefully. He smelled the truth in her altered scent on the air, understood what was really happening...but he dared to hope.
There it was again. His mate's snout
