Dragoncrest Cliffs Dynasty

The Heda explained her position, which was backed by sound logic and reason. Yet Wildfire was not in a reasonable mood. Her emotions flared wildly as Thuringwethil addressed her, calmly explaining her stance and leaving no room whatsoever for debate. Wildfire felt indignation and nearly heart-stopping disappointment. She couldn't believe that her mate would wait until this moment to make such a declaration.

Utterly dismayed, the Bandrona couldn't find her words for a moment. In the end, she could only manage three: "But you are." They hung heavily in the air between them. She didn't dare look up at the commander, nor at Dio, especially as the flashes of anger and despair took on physical form in the appearance of tears swimming in her eyes.

Without another word, Wildfire retreated further along the beach, where she would stay, utterly despondent and unresponsive to any entreaties.