Kintla Flatlands Unconditional

He didn't understand Osprey's comment and wanted to press her to explain, yet Peregrine could see that she was in a delicate state. He held his tongue for a moment, then asked gently, "What do you mean, Osprey? I'm your big brother. I want to be here for you." He moved so that he was sitting next to her, his right side pressed against her left. He kissed her temple, then put his head over hers. "A friend of mine accidentally let slip about this situation. I can only assume you didn't send anyone for me because you didn't want me to know." He had deduced as much on his trek here. Peregrine's voice held no reprimand; it was a question framed more as an observation.

Pulling back slightly so he could look at her weary face, he asked, "Is Blue Willow looking after you? Tell me, please. Tell me how this happened. I'm not going to get angry," he promised, understanding that Osprey might fear that very thing. "I just want you to be okay. You look fucking horrible, no offense." The black wolf smiled weakly, pressing her into another hug, his eyes closing against the painful sight of his dispirited litter mate.