Chimera Fields gold heart; silver tears

Cypress spoke a name – one she did not recognize, for she had never heard the story. Still, what he wished was impossible, and her eyes blurred as tears threatened them once more before she swallowed thickly, casting a look to Shrike and wondering what his own thoughts were. Before she could interject – before she had to reign her brother down to the limited realm of of real life, he came to logic once more, and her muzzle would only further preen at him. “I’m sorry, Cypress.. I’m so sorry.”

The words were not enough – nothing could ever be enough to explain this. Her eyes would drift to her father’s fallen figure – and she felt the weight of guilt weigh down upon her now. She had never truly forgiven him for leaving Bazi and his litter with her behind – from fleeing responsibility. But had her mother made it possible for him to stay? Not likely, knowing the headstrong arctic woman.

“Cypress.. we all need to go back. Please. I can’t have anything happen to you, okay? You’re all I have left.” He was her last blood relative in the valley – and one who’s charge had suddenly fallen to her.