Arrow Lake fall down a rabbit hole

Contractual. It was such a cold word to break down the relationship between the General and the pale dove. Takiyok was an enigma to Ketzia in many ways—cold in mannerism, steely heart, and yet loyal and trustworthy.

Until it came to her own children, now. The woman’s gaze of ire was not missed, and Ketzia was loathe to allow any opportunity for any jealousy to fester from the proud woman upon her children—but even then, was she truly capable of such a malicious act?

Mahler instead made the statement that was left between them, and the corner of the siren’s lip quirked in a hesitant smile. “After my childhood, I told myself I would settle for nothing less than love when it came to family.” She paused, unable to swallow the bitter taste that brewed within her drying mouth. Her smoky voice only reiterated her mood. “Now I’m not sure where I stand."

Lashes fluttered gently over her lids as she studied the wolf before her now, her mistrust of the generous healer exposed for the foolishness that it was.