Big Salmon Lake Turn at last to home afar

He was too far to notice the conversation happening nearby, or the skittering, panic-driven repulsion of Mal from the Blackthorn; he did, however, catch a shrill noise in the air that sounded like someone saying murder and that made Tit pause. He wasn't sure if he heard that right - and he was looking around, but didn't notice the others until the very last second.

When he saw them — saw Tegan, recognized him behind the bizzaro-world fog that usually dominated his mind, and for a moment time stood still.

There was no time to consider his options; as was the case whenever he met family, Titmouse was at an impasse and he didn't have a moment to think. The only thought to cross his mind - besides the startling, instantaneous, powerful sense that he was in danger - was the thought of Blackfeather. Of Maegi. Of how fucking stupid he was for being caught out in the middle of nowhere.

She'd made him stay on the island for a reason; in the dark forest, in secret, for a reason. Now he was a target and he knew it. So Titmouse did the only thing he could do.

He bolted in the opposite direction.