Swiftcurrent Creek I guess I'm all you have, and I swear you'll see the dawn again.

He bristled, silver guard hairs on edge and upper lip twitching as he struggled to keep from flashing teeth in his growing anger. Viinturuth glared at his mother, who ducked her head to avoid his stare again, which infuriated him further.

Durnehviir was going to keep him in the dark, he knew. She probably thought him some stupid kid who wouldn't understand, and he frowned deeply. His mother announced that Constantine's departure was not at her request, and the thickness of her tone brought Viinturuth from boiling point to a quiet simmer.

His mother kept secrets from them. His father chose a stranger over their family.

Hurt, confused and irritated, the pale youth uttered no other words. He turned away, stalking through the trees and away from his dam to be alone with his dark thoughts.