Blackfeather Woods This is what it sounds like, when doves cry

It did please her, greatly. She didn't let it show on her face, but there was a certain sense of schadenfreude in knowing that Damien not only couldn't wrangle the woods from her, but couldn't keep his own group together. The daedra had made their favor evident. That being said. . .

And if Damien's group becomes strong again? Maegi asked, her stare level and cool on Aries. How do we know you won't just leave us to go back to them? How should we know you're not just here to spy? She wouldn't put it past the man. He was an old friend, sure, but one that had betrayed her and this forest. And he'd been raised for deceit, here among these trees. There were a lot of question marks.

She cast her gaze toward Tundra, one ear flicking in acknowledgement of the pale woman's words. I trust your judgment, she said, unconsciously echoing her co-leader's thoughts. We do need to be careful, though; we—

And then Cassiopeia appeared on the scene, and Maegi's face went comically blank as she proceeded to vouch for Aries. Their relationship wasn't known to Maegi (so far as Miryam can remember) and so this was seemingly out of the blue. But if there was one wolf remaining here whose approval she trusted even more than Tundra's, it was Cass. This was a deal-sealer.

You will remain loyal to us, no matter what Damien plans for the future, she announced firmly, turning back toward the Svartell warrior. You will serve only these woods. If there's even the slightest hint that you have betrayed us. . .you'll be lucky to escape here alive. Do you understand?

The stakes were too high to beat around the bush.