Sun Mote Copse Let this moment be the first chapter: where you decide to stay

Her ears moved down, regretting telling her mother all of it. Yes, the Frosthawks had kept something from her, so had the visitors, but if they had said anything... They would've hurt Nellie. She couldn't figure out what was worst, if she was being honest. Would she have told Niamh in their shoes, or would she have kept her own secret? God, she felt bad now, worse than before.

I thought about it. She quickly interrupted, letting Niamh continue after. She wasn't lying either, but every time she had thought about sending word about her whereabouts she was sure Niamh would stomp down to grab her by the scruff and bring her home. That's what mothers did; protect their children, even if it meant hurting them. And Nellie didn't want to be hurt anymore.

Yeah, dead... Like dad. She knew what it meant now; dying. She knew what had happened to her father, even if she was still wondering why it had happened in the first place. The Frosthawks had explained, their voices barely registering over all the sobbing she had done. I do understand... I know I must've worried you and Bronco... - but be honest, if I had sent a message, would you not have come to take me away? Her brows pinched together, forming a deep frown yet her eyes were hopeful. Not that it mattered much what would have happened, that time was gone now. At least they were lucky to have the here and now, unlike others...