Deepwood Weald I hopelessly, helplessly, wonder why

Rian flattened his ears at Maude's defiant proclaimation and his eyes went wide. Images of blood, gore, and death swept him up in a wave and he felt himself shivering before actually registering that it was fear. He shrank away from the sea-wench as his hackles flared. He pressed his lips into a thin line and willed himself to calm, teeth clenched against the shivers that threatened to shake him to the core. 

He looked away—down—anywhere but Maude. In another time, and another place, he might have admired the pirate for her boldness. Even now, he wanted to believe in her and feel a twinge of pride at her dedication to the pack, but the images of red, red blood was too much to bear. 

"We should talk more at home," he ecked out. "in case someone is watching."