Sleeping Dragon is 'i love you' a fact or weapon?

In her own way, Wildfire is able to connect the logic behind it but perhaps not the gravity. The threat here in Drageda might be slim, compared to their lives in Seageda, but that doesn’t mean it could turn that way. If those wishing to destroy her are not satisfied, they could come. Or Reek’s insane cult could come for her or learn of her relationship. A surge of anxiety rushes through her veins, heart beating out of her chest until she feels like she can’t take it. Thuringwethil squeezes her eyes shut and shakes her head a little, taking a step forward so her nose bumps against the smaller girl’s muzzle.

Her process is lost on Thuringwethil, suggesting that they could not have a family—it isn’t the message she’d intended to get across—when she knew that, technically, they could. In their own way. However, for fear of hurting Wildfire’s innocence, she keeps the horror to herself instead. She can protect her, she has so far; she’s protected nearly everyone. They’ve made it to the other side of the famine, a punishment Heda had given her as a lesson, but could she waste it on throwing away their traditions?

Another time, she decides to debate, and lets Wildfire lead with her own questions and Thuringwethil offers whatever answers she can: “there were all sorts of families in Seageda. There are ways for any two wolves to create their own—” If I were not Heda— "so, yes."