Honeyed Pasture The thrill of the hunt

The pain in her eyes was a small jab to his heart, though he didn't know whether she would permit any sort of comforting touch from him, or whether that would make it worse. Phocion softened his gaze in response. There was death in this family, and it was recent. They were still grieving.

"Krypton, I grew up longing for a family I didn't have," he told her, voice pitched low. "I never knew my father. My mother died when I was young. I have no siblings."

He pointed his nose toward the mountain in illustration. "That mountain is my home now, and the wolves who reside there my family. After waiting my entire life to be a part of something bigger. . .I wouldn't dream of letting you down. Of abandoning you."