Redhawk Caldera I'm an Albatraoz

He wanted to say a dozen things to her, yet Peregrine held his tongue, allowing Saena the opportunity to speak without interruption. He was glad that he didn't interject. Although he truly felt that she didn't owe him anything, he still felt a sense of relief to know she now understood and forgave him. He felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Peregrine barely had time to savor this new lightness of spirit, for Saena mentioned her own departure. It wasn't that surprising, considering her ambitions and history, yet all the same, he felt his heart go out to her.

"I don't think you owe me an apology," he said, "but I accept. And you should know I never stopped loving you, your sisters or your brother. I fucked up and mishandled things but that never changed." He paused, glancing into the distance before his eyes returned to his daughter's pale features. "Sometimes, leaving is what's best. And it's okay to be selfish sometimes too, as long as you do your best not to hurt others." That was where he'd bungled things, he knew, and it sounded like Saena had avoided making the same mistake.

"Start your own pack, you mean? Somewhere around here or...?" he wondered, feeling more heartened to ask her questions now that they were on more even, stable footing with one another.