Razorback Ridge bruises on both my knees for you

She pressed her muzzle to his cheek as he spoke and held it there, smiling. Me, too, she agreed softly, and left it at that, pulling gently away. His question came and she chewed on it for some quiet moments, trying to piece together her sullen thoughts enough to create something coherent for Elfie. Internal anger rarely made a better argument outside one's head.

A pack called Courtfall, Maegi explained, jaw slightly clenched. Many of the wolves who once lived in Blackfeather Woods chose to leave the forest and go there, instead. Those who had been loyal to me, who I trusted. Loved. She shook her head. I don't understand why.

But yes, of course she did. She had been a deficient leader, lacking in physical prowess or cunning. The earth had trembled and terrible things had come, and they had left for greener pastures. But she had tried—oh! had she tried, and now with little to show for it.

Except Elfie. Elfie and Mou. The last of her cherished inner circle.