Dragoncrest Cliffs Mourning light

When Thuringwethil moved toward her, nudging her and urging to her feet, Wildfire blurted, "I didn't tell you that so you'd take pity on me." She heaved herself to her feet even as she spoke. "I mean—" Her breath hitched in her throat as she leaned into her mate, tentatively at first and then much more heavily. As a matter of fact, she clung to the commander. "They really are gone." This was said quietly, directly into the Heda's ear. "But I didn't mention it to avoid punishment. I... accept the consequences for my actions."

Realizing she was blathering, the Bandrona pressed her lips together and stood there. She could feel her heart beating so rapidly that her whole body seemed to vibrate with its rhythm. It was partly seeing and feeling Thuringwethil after so long apart, being welcomed into her partner's embrace. But Wildfire was also nervous. Despite her own words, she wasn't sure she was entirely prepared for whatever punishment the commander meted out. What if she demoted her? Forbade her from having pups? Booted her from the pack? Wildfire felt her insides shriveling like a spider on a hot stove top.