Ouroboros Spine Finding my purpose

As much as Valiant wanted to be part of every step of that healing process — maybe it was time to take a tiny step back. She'd fended for herself just fine until now, and she wouldn't suddenly become helpless just because they'd found each other again.

Besides — he'd seen all he needed to see of the willows. Minnow deserved to walk through them in peace, without the dark cloud he would bring into the picture.

"I'll be here waitin' for you," he said, forcing a wag of his tail. "You'll be safe? Keep close to Miss Moonwoman 'n all?"