Redhawk Caldera Suicide

<3

Her uncle lingered, after promising not to tell the Redhawk monarchs about any of this. A little sigh whisked out between pinched lips and she nodded her gratitude. When he mentioned visiting again to meet her baby brothers, she bobbed her head again. She tried once more to push a smile onto her face, yet it was like there was a disconnect between her brain and the muscles around her mouth.

"I'll come back in about a month," the yearling promised. "Thanks again, Uncle El." She was grateful for his company, his silence, his lack of prying. Wildfire said nothing more, eyes tracking his movements as he retraced his steps back in the direction of the caldera.

He disappeared into the distance eventually and Wildfire waited a while longer, then waded slowly into the icy water. Ignoring the chattering of her teeth, she plunged into the depths, letting the water wash up and over her bloodied nape. It stung a little before going numb. The same went for the aching between her legs, though the moment she waded back into the shallows, everything still felt sore.

She climbed back onto dry land, shook out her damp red coat, then bent over double to lick the last of the sticky blood from her underside. By the time she was finished, she was fairly certain the nature of the attack was no longer obvious in any way. But would she be able to hide it? From Floki? What if he tried to make lover to her? The very thought made Wildfire feel like someone had knocked the wind out of her.

It was growing dark. Wildfire stood and began moving in the direction of Moonspear. Earlier, she had been practically desperate to return to the safety of her homeland. Now, though, she found her steps slow and dragging. Dread pooled in her belly. She couldn't bear him finding out about the attack. He would be angry and hurt, maybe even disappointed with her for getting herself in that predicament. What if he didn't want to touch her, because another man had had his way with his wife? What if he did and she couldn't stomach it?

No, Floki absolutely could not know. So Wildfire knew she either had to fabricate some other explanation for her injuries (and her inability to be intimate)... or else she might as well just never go home.