From the corner of his eye (ATTN: Yildun)

Yildun seemed willing to give it a try, though Koontz detected some uncertainty in his demeanor. "Establishing a rapport with your pack mates will be paramount," she replied, "as will be earning their trust. It will take time and patience, for sure. Do you think you're up to the task?" she asked candidly.

His confession about the stars stumped Koontz. She wasn't a spiritual wolf, nor did she believe in things like magic. She didn't quite know what to make of this bit of information. The silence stretched, becoming awkward, as the Alpha female scrambled to think of something to say without accidentally insulting Yildun.

Deciding it couldn't hurt to clarify, Koontz asked, "What do you mean, the stars would talk to you?" The words without tone might have sounded incredulous, yet the way she posed the question, she injected genuine curiosity and a lack of judgment into the query. She was fairly certain Yildun was speaking literally, yet maybe he wasn't; maybe there was more of a metaphorical aspect to it.

Although she knew he couldn't see, Koontz's pale eyes searched his empty gaze as she patiently and curiously awaited his response.