In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

edited!

reek spoke, and saena's disappointment lanced deeply; guilt flooded his gaze as he parted his lips to answer. "not long," he murmured sadly. "there was a fire here around the time that ... we learned of what had happened. several of our members disappeared. this of course is not an excuse; merely an explanation."

he did not have the heart to tell her that osprey, their beloved aunt, had been one of those lost after the blaze -- he would leave that to dante. at her next words, the beta gave a firm nod, anger flaring in his eyes. "you have my support in this. they deserve the same fate that they wrought."

he hoped wearily that saena would not hate them for what had transpired; she already lived so far indeed, and he could not bear the idea of her ire aimed again at the plateau.