Nova Peak The rhythm of a beating, braver heart.

Nothing, he said. Nothing could change what he felt for her. A wave if emotion came hurtling toward her at this admission, one she hadn't expected. She inhaled deep, and something bitter flared within her: not even Wylla?

Even after all this time, she and Nyx had managed to evade one another. To be ignored by the wolfess she'd run with on Grimnismal's coastal claim was the best response she could've hoped for and, while she hoped it could continue in such a way, she was afraid for what it might mean for her daughters. Unaware of the extent of Wylla's dismissal of Ciri and Elke, Nyx naturally suspected that there would be some unfair dislike toward innocent cubs. With it, she was afraid that she might use her position to poison the pack against them, as well.

Mahler reached to touch her, asked that she walk with him, which brought her once more to reality. She blinked toward the gargoyle, let her hawkish gaze meet briefly with cool amethyst. Wordlessly, the lioness gathered to her paws and dipped her muzzle in quiet agreement, content to pretend that she wasn't screaming internally, and waited for him to take the lead.