Redhawk Caldera Oh, darling

He did not react when Somnia met his gaze, then quickly dropped her own. His expression remained attentively blank as she began to explain what had happened to her. His gut clenched as Somnia described her injuries—he couldn't help but think of Atticus—and her subsequent experience with indentured servitude. His lips parted, though he said nothing. Peregrine couldn't help but wonder if something like that had happened to Pan. He was exactly the sort of wolf who could be overpowered and enslaved all too easily. The Alpha's mouth clicked shut again, his lips pressing together in a thin line.

"I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm glad you're okay," Peregrine said quietly. "Next time you decide to go exploring, let someone know or, better yet, take a friend," he added, voice stern but beginning to warm slightly. "We really missed you. One wolf in particular," the black wolf continued in a thoughtful tone before elaborating, "Ashton went missing around the same time. He reappeared a while back, saying he went looking for you, then disappeared again." He wondered what Somnia would make of this news. It would probably upset her, though she ought to know what her disappearance had meant for those left behind without answers.

"You missed the Firebirds growing up," he said a moment later, changing the subject. Again, his words contrasted slightly with his tone. It was a sad observation, though there was a tinge of warmth in his voice. "That's all right, though, we plan to make more," Peregrine quipped dryly, glancing off into the distance.