Firestone Hot Springs Memories Fade

She didn't seem perturbed in the least, speaking freely of Lasher's inclinations. Peregrine wasn't sure he believed that it didn't bother her on some level. Blue Willow would be just the type to pretend something didn't bother her just to keep the peace. Despite her easy tone, Peregrine decided it was better to move on to a different topic. If he wanted to hear about Lasher's ventures, he would seek out the male himself.

Backtracking slightly, he repeated, "Don't worry about Oss, she'll be fine." But suddenly something occurred to him. When Osprey had visited the caldera, all four pups had been alive. But he'd only told Blue Willow about three. He paused, his stomach tightening as he realized he should tell her about "Derp" after all, just in case Osprey told their friend about her visit and mentioned four puppies instead of three.

"Hey, Willow, I kind of lied to you by omission a few minutes ago," he was forced to admit. "There was... a fourth pup. He didn't live more than a week. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It's still sort of tough to talk and think about."