Redhawk Caldera We need a home

With a shrewd eye, she observed her Alphas and Raven interacting with the ringleader of the ragtag band standing on their borders. From this far away, she couldn't hope to read a stranger's lips (it was challenging enough up close). Eager to better understand what was happening and certain her older sister wouldn't hold such a thing against her, Towhee crept closer. She remained perpendicular to the gathering and positioned herself to read the Redhawks' side of the conversation even as Elwood said, "We have space in our ranks."

The Xi's jaw dropped. This group was here to join them? And her godfather was just going to let in an entire handful of outsiders? Towhee's heart twisted in her chest, the mix of emotions too volatile to pick out any one in particular. But perhaps strongest of them all was a peculiar sense of betrayal at Elwood's blind trust of these outsiders. What if they meant the current residents harm? What if they were here to overthrow her aunt and uncle and take the land? Even if they weren't here to wreak havoc, how was Towhee supposed to communicate with them effectively? She and the others were now outnumbered by outsiders.

She knew she should trust the Alphas' judgment. She knew she really had no choice in the matter. Still, Towhee felt a lot like she might throw up right then. Instead, she just remained standing there, rigid as a statue, her insides churning even as her exterior fell totally blank.