Heron Lake Plateau they escaped the weight of the darkness

There was a general sensation of unsettlement among the youth of the family, which didn't improve Breccan's mood but helped him feel somewhat justified. Sionnach and Aengus were outspoken in their misbehavior, while Breccan and Deshyr remained quiet. Even Eshe and Tiarnach did not seem to be themselves, as they settled soberly between their older siblings.

There was a warning snarl and a snap from Wisteria as Sionnach invaded her personal space, and Breccan tensed slightly but didn't move from his position. His ears twitched in Rannoch's direction as he reprimanded the younger of his two daughters, and then he shifted his gaze to take in the arrival of Raven and Quixote. The Redhawks were cheerful as they greeted the Frostfurs, but other than Rannoch and Liffey, the feeling didn't seem to be reciprocated.

Breccan didn't speak up as his father introduced everyone, though he did offer a small nod of his head when his name was mentioned. He didn't understand how the adults could treat this so nonchalantly, like picking up and moving miles away from home was a normal thing that should be accepted with grace. Luckily, he didn't hear Rannoch's murmured addendum to their hosts in regard to his children's attitudes; otherwise, they would have likely earned a roll of the boy's eyes.