King Elk Forest Wanderer

at the mention of the kids, Cas' face fell again, and he shook his muzzle. "it ... it doesn't matter. not now. one day i'll explain." but for now what mattered was getting Grace back to Silver Creek and installing her in some sort of role there. "of course i'd take you back. what's done is done. you left, sure, but you're here now." he hadn't forgotten the respect with which Grace had taken her departure, just moments before Saena had led her wolves across the world.

and anyway, Saena no longer led them. Casmir understood the reasons his rust-marked cousin had given for not wanting to come back, but he still was in the process of unpacking the resentment he held for her actions -- she'd left them twice now, and she could blame the Creek all she wanted for losing Indra and Laurel, but the Mayfair felt that had she never left the first time, her daughters wouldn't be with Reek. of course, he knew this was cruel and illogical, and guilt swept him as the thought made itself known.

the boy turned his hard golden gaze back on Grace. "come on," he murmured. "let's go home."