Redhawk Caldera Partners in crime

He answered a bit brusquely. Raven's ears fell backward a little bit but she did not retreat. Instead, she nibbled her own lower lip before saying, "I'm sorry for your loss." She exhaled, then drew in a breath and added, "I don't think we've ever met. I used to live here, a long time ago, and I just came back. My name's Raven." She was the daughter of the deceased, though she didn't mention that aloud. The stranger would probably draw the conclusion on his own but, in any case, her grief was more dated. His loss was fresher, harsher, in a way.

"I'm sorry, too, that you don't feel like there's anyone else you can trust," she murmured, falling to her haunches and settling on the water's edge. For the second time, she tipped her head back to peer at the sky, then dropped her yellow gaze to study its reflection in the still waters of the caldera.