Ankyra Sound crank it up to eleven

Raleska did not much care for Kaertok's answer. Being young still, and not practiced in the guile of keeping a poker face, it showed quite clearly. Insecurity had already started to etch its callous marks on Raleska's mind; did that mean he was capable of leaving her too?

She knew the answer was yes, and she did not care for that, either. Her ears pinned as she drew a deep breath, steadying the amount of alacrity that threatened to burst forth from her like putrid bile. If she was bitter and cruel, she would chase everyone away -- especially those she needed (and cared for) the most. "Well, I'm sticking this through." Raleska stated glumly, an edge of resistance held in her determined voice. This was supposed to be her family's haven, and if she didn't see things through, who else would?