Blacktail Deer Plateau Amalfi

Osprey sat beside him and Peregrine slanted his muzzle toward her, rubbing his nose gently against his sister's gray shoulder. "I'm glad you're back," he murmured lowly before answering her question by saying, "It's Atticus. He took a fall and hit his head. He's alive but... not well. He's more or less catatonic. It's like whatever made him Atticus... isn't there anymore."

After delivering the news, he steadied himself with a deep breath, then lifted his gaze where it had fallen to his toes and brought it to Osprey's face. He felt sad and guilty about what had happened to Atticus. He'd seen it happen and hadn't been able to prevent it or help his brother recover. He was taking care of him now, yet it was like looking after a newborn, senseless puppy... without any of the joy that comes with new life.

"Did you find Crete?" he asked after a beat, hoping Osprey came bearing better news.