Shy Deer Steppes he runs, wishing he could fly

It went beyond every instinct to remain stoic in the face of what came next. At Hela's "no," her face darkened, and a thousand different counterpoints rang through her mind.

Your home is Blackfeather! Your family is Blackfeather!

Traitor! Traitor!

She's leaving, just like the rest.

What about ME?

What's wrong with me?

Traitor! How dare she follow Serem!

Maegi failed her

my fault my fault my fault

Traitor! Blood traitor—

It was only a moment before she snapped back to herself, but when she did, the only thing that left her lips was, I see. Silence, then, for a few heartbeats longer, her eyes moving over the wolves assembled. It would do no good to fight this. She was outnumbered, and Hela would only resent her for it.

No, best to let her go. They all left. . .they all left.

Take care, Hela, Maegi said, though there was no semblance of warmth in her voice. She would not react, but she would not approve of the decision, either. You know where to find us if you change your mind.

Without a word to the rest of them, she turned on her heel and departed, ears swiveling backwards to catch the sound of anybody following. Not once did she look back, and only when she was safely within the sanctum of her forest did she let herself break down, despondent at having lost yet another part of her heart.