Otter Creek hey moon, please forget to fall down;;

Alarian felt a strange stirring in his chest when Korei leaned into him-- it was different from what he felt with Lennon, but somehow the same. The same affection and slight longing, but he felt his role would be different here; it already was.
He felt safe with Lennon in a protected way-- nothing could hurt him because he knew Lennon wouldn't let it. But Korei... he felt safe because he was the protector. In that moment he knew he would-- and could-- face down demons among the fires of hell if it was to protect the small girl pressed into him. Nothing, he decided, would hurt her.
But Ali knew he need not burden the girl with such thoughts, so he changed the subject.
Did I ever tell you about the war between two packs that was won by fleas? He asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. The story really was hilarious, mostly because it was true.