Emberflame Ridge a small candle

You are a good guardian — she started, talking a bit firmer than before. And I'm certain any pack - be it court or otherwise - would be lucky to have you. Devotion was hard to find in followers, there always remained doubt - but Orlaith seemed different. Despite growing up, and despite having opinions of her own, she hadn't strayed from the court herself. That meant she believed in it and wanted to exist within it, Lumi thought. What more could she ask of anyone coming to join her?

She didn't waver nor flinch at the cold words spoken, and wasn't offended either. Wolves said cruel things when they were scared, and she understood. She had been hurt in the past too, scars fading into the night — but the warrior's wounds were fresh. She wanted to mend her, make her feel accepted again, but there was only one way she could hope to do it.

Similar, yes. She answered almost guiltily. But I will not force anyone to leave against their wishes — unless they've done something to hurt me or the court. Overpopulation was the fault of the leader, not their subjects. Yes, it was unpleasant to deny a woman her right to children, but to lessen suffering one had to make tough decisions. We won't have to, at least not because of there being too many of us. I shall personally police the amount of pixies once we get close to an unsustainable size, I promise... How could she make the pain go away? I promise I won't shut you out.