Silvertip Mountain Poke the bear

A sense of alarm rippled through Phocion as he saw Steady's face grow angry at his question, followed by a gut-punch as sadness replaced it.

Not just any loss, but that of the alpha male, he mused as the beta gave his answer. And Steady's brother.

"I am so sorry, Steady," he murmured, for lack of better words. A rush of compassion overcame him. He had been unfair to the beta, had not known the struggle with grief within. "Thank you for telling me," he added. "Now I can better understand what you all are going through."