Know Your Surroundings

Though her body remained tense, Andalusia's quirked a smile at Mordecai's thanks. To do anything but stop the tresspasser would have made her an accomplice, and that was something the Ostrega wouldn't have. Her choice to remain in the Wilds meant she couldn't take her eyes off her reputation. Integrity was a key trait to possess as an Outrider, for no one would trust her if she showed no concern beyond herself.

"I'm fine, he never got close enough to touch me." Of course she'd known the risk of her approach, but she hadn't anticipated the feral look in Zoratto's pale eyes. There was something about the boy that made her fur stand on end, even still. At least their encounter had finished in retreat. Bloodshed was something she couldn't risk. She only had herself to depend on, for healing, food, and protection. In this instance she'd had Mordecai, but she couldn't count on him to materialize at every turn. He had his own wolves to care for, and she didn't count herself a part of them. Andalusia dipped her head in thanks. "I'm lucky you showed up when you did." She imagined he had come to protect his own, but at the same time he had aided her. She lifted her gaze to meet where he stood, her grin still held. "So we're even."