Power: Predator Senses
W. Joseph is the cousin of the siblings M. Joseph and T. Joseph. W. Joseph grew up in Eklutna, north of the city but not too far, as a true believer in an observant Russian Orthodox family. A born hunter, W. spent more time in the valleys and mountains of south-central Alaska than they did at home. A couple of perfunctory years at Chugiak High School sort of petered out, leaving more time for long trips into the wilderness. It was on such a solitary trip when the Mark emerged – W’s instincts seemed to merge with their prey, and their senses with those of a natural predator. When they are focused on the hunt, W. Joseph can smell their closest friends and their prey up to four kilometers away, and they can predict the behaviour of their targets with chilling accuracy. None of this helped when their family discovered the Mark. W. was shipped off to the village of Aniak for “exorcism”. They walked home – 600 km, through the heart of the Kichatna mountains – and went to stay in the city with their cousins. They haven’t spoken to their parents since. W. Joseph is a loner who craves connection, a restless hunter who wants to be still and secure, and a faithful person whose faith has abandoned them.
Content warnings: Religious extremism, family drama