The Sunspire Making freedom work for you

Going to go ahead and respond without Magpie in light of her absence and as this doesn't seem like a crucial thread. (But please do join if you have time, Emalee!)

As Ferdie withdrew, Leaf could not help but snarl again. It was as if his fear encouraged her aggression. Yet when Bazi was the one identified as the "liar," she paused. And when Ferdie howled for the pup who seemed to be at the crux of the situation, she decided this might be something worth listening to. Still, the Alpha's words brought chills down her spine. Her heart had been unpredictable, and she did not know if she was ready to hear his side of the story and possibly hear the truth. His story was long and emotionally-draining. There were details she did not understand, but she could tell he was being sincere. Ears flattening slightly in what might have been guilt, she opened her mouth slightly when she learned that Ferdie had once loved Fox. It was difficult to imagine the two being together. Fox had always struck the little red subordinate as someone fiery and passionate who needed--well, needed someone different. She was not skilled at pairing wolves together, having little interest in this category. These thoughts dissipated quickly as the character Sky was introduced. Leaf felt her emotions become biased in favor of Ferdie. Sky sounded like a devil of a wolf, and she was secretly thankful Jace seemed untouched by such a female. Even so, the little red wolf flinched when she then learned that Ferdie had attacked Sky, and she began to doubt once more when she learned of Fox's seemingly unreasonable demands. No, there must have been some kind of misunderstanding. Fox must have had her reasons. It was easy to see how the two males might have come across as dangerous to the well-being of the pack. What she found most intriguing was that Jace had saved Ferdie at his own expense. It seemed self-sacrifice was at the core of his character. Her face had been stoic throughout her listening, though her pale green eyes flitted in thought. They landed on the entering juvenile, who said nothing but seemed comfortable enough. There were so many things she could say, so many emotions she could display, but she chose what predominated in her heart. "The way Fox tortured you. The way Sky tortured you. Is that how I am--what I am with Jace?" Her features were grim and tinged with a certain sadness. Shame.