Moonspear Words mean nothing when your lips are so blue

Dragomir expected some sort of anecdote about a time that Hydra took in a wolf and was repaid ten times over for it. He expected stories about Hydra bringing wolves into the fold only to be disappointed or even betrayed by them. He anticipated that she would have many examples to share so he would understand when to take a chance on someone and when to let them go.

He wasn't expecting to play the role of stern pack wolf. His stomach fluttered with nerves; how could he possibly speak to his leader the way they might address an outsider on the border? It seemed almost scandalous to him and he couldn't help fearing that Hydra would mete out punishment if he made the wrong moves, even though he had no reason whatsoever to think it.

She instructed him to save his questions and he nodded, throat bobbing as the game began. He took a moment to steel himself before attempting to rise to his full height. He tried to bore his eyes into hers the way he'd seen her do with vagabonds before, but found it difficult to hold her gaze. He respected her too much. State your business, he commanded, trying his best to hide the tremble in his voice.