Heron Lake Plateau Demon Boss

Apple's resume didn't wow Towhee, though few ever did. Her willingness to pitch in wherever she could was perhaps the strongest part of her case. Still, the Beta deliberated. Apple looked a little older, so even if she was healthy now, the pack might soon have to take care of her. They had their own aging members—namely, her godparents—to consider.

Later, Towhee would wonder if Rory had read her mind. Another soft, cold press of a nose stole Towhee's attention. She arched her brow at the youngster, who said, "She's a Blackthorn." Rory very visibly hesitated then, as if she wanted to say something else but uncertain if she should. When Towhee leveled her with a look, she added, "I think she might've had a concussion, like Tegan. I should've taken her to Ra—" But Towhee had turned sharply toward Apple.

"Rory says you're a Blackthorn?" she prompted. She knew Rory had just mentioned fetching Raven and that she should consider calling for Finley too. But the situation wasn't emergent and Towhee would rather vet her a bit more before deciding to involve anybody else.