Swiftcurrent Creek scheming at the cauldron

Ever since Shadow had shared details of his origins and Bazi had reacted insensitively to it, the pair’s interactions had been decidedly awkward. The grey male rarely spoke more than a few words to her, and the little leader was overwhelmed with guilt and frustration every time their eyes met. Today would be the day they started over, she decided, and rose to plaster a casual smooch on the bridge of Shadow’s nose when he dipped his head in submission.

As predicted, it hadn’t taken him long to reach her. ”What were you up to this morning?” she asked, wondering if the silvery outrider had woken up with that blank expression or adopted it specifically for her. ”I was actually spying on you all from up here,” she added, sinking back onto her hindquarters as a sign that this was a casual interaction.