Jade Fern Grove No one can unring this bell

Taki didn't register much of what the stranger said, still too angry to process her words properly. All she understood was her name, Nanook. Her angry gaze was still pinned on her brother as he explained his reasons for bringing a stranger so close to where the children were hidden.

Unlike Tahani, she wouldn't welcome the female so readily. She didn't care how long Sia had known her; the rest of the family had never met he before, and so Taki didn't trust her. Trust had to be earned; it could never be assumed. Whatever happened after today, Taki would have to make up her own mind about Nanook. And unlike her brother, the fact that she was related to Kove only served to create a feeling of unease.

Shiv returned to her pups then, and Taki remained in her place between the den opening and the stranger, eyes still on Sia. She definitely wouldn't be moving until the female was far from here.