Greatwater Lake rewind

"Then don't," he stated simply. Even if there was that nagging sensation that nothing like this was simple. The complications made his head desire to ache, as Mordecai had never truly warmed to the thought of something complicated. Perhaps it was the black and white thinking of his father that shone through him; they, as wolves, often ended up doing as they pleased. Ptarmigan certainly had, staking a claim for their pack. But he supposed it was up to them to truly decide whether or not they accepted it.

And that was where he did not know where it was that he lied.

Shifting his weight, Mordecai studied her anguished gaze. He wanted to say something more meaningful, something to ease the young leader's struggle. But truthfully he had no words for it. Like her, this event was uncharted territory. He had never had the firsthand experience of a usurper in any midst.