Duskfire Glacier bittersüß

takiyok's reaction to his news of the maplewood pack broke her usual stoic impassivity; the annoyance that flashed across her features charmed mahler, as did the rage that built behind the click of her teeth. the man wished to ask what the weakened wolves had done, perhaps in a stronger time, to engender such a response in the woman, but did not inquire for now. duty vied with instinct, but the former won; his request was denied.
and yet mahler was not disappointed. takiyok had granted him a reason for such; she could not leave her pack, not in a time of trouble such as this. however, her intrigue was unabated, and an amused expression shone thereafter in his lavender stare. "i promised the boy that i vould be back. he is vounded, and a second attack might mean his life. i doubt he vill risk it, however."
the child was a fool, but returning with open gashes to his pack would undermine his position as leader, if not worry the maplewood wolves about his ability to protect them. mahler's own lacerations had been given gladly in sacrifice. "for now, frau, i vill vait, and if the opportunity presents itself, i vill strike a second time. another member of the pack, perhaps."
pleased that they seemed to share a common annoyance in the continued presence of the stubborn pack, the musiker fell silent. the ire and interest that limned her features had begun to cause a stir in some coiled part of him that was not truly understood, and he wanted to leave, but propriety suggested he stay until takiyok had dismissed him.