Blackfeather Woods shorter of breath and one day closer to death

Maegi couldn't keep up with the motion-language and Mou didn't think about it, not until she sharply addressed him and by that point, an agreement had come to light. He nodded to the fire-coated girl, his expression filled with a sudden certainty. He would lay his trust in this so-called friend if it meant Maegi would be safe; if the worst were to happen and they be back-stabbed, Mou would avenge any wrongdoing. The seriousness of his expression might've gotten lost in the darkness of the cave, but he made sure to fix his eyes upon the Redhawk — finding confirmation there.

Maegi's voice broke that, however, he turned to her next and explained hastily, She say she resp-egg-tet by Redhawks. We take her to safety outside and she will save us. He was lying but it was so swift and so easy, as if he'd spent his entire life lying to one person or another, and that only mildly surprised Mou once he'd spoken. If Maegi took what he said as truth (as he hoped) then they'd escort the Redhawk out of the caves as planned, and then — provided she did not double-cross him — Mou would find a way to turn back, to find those interlopers and confront them.

He would trade anything for the safety of Maegi. Blackfeather be damned.