The Floodlands Steady feet, don't fail me now

She thought she had a fighting chance, up until her uncle took her in his arms and said four words close to her ear: "I'll keep you safe." Just like that, the floodgates opened. Wildfire pressed against her godfather—the only father figure she had left (rest in peace, Peregrine)—and mashed her teary face into his neck, sniffling and sobbing silently.

After a few moments, she pulled back and offered a sheepish, watery smile. "That means a lot, Uncle El. Thank you. And sorry about..." She gestured at the ruffled spikes of snotty fur on his neck. "That probably doesn't feel good, particularly in this cold. Want to venture back home, find someplace warm to huddle?"