Broken Antler Fen We don't need to be related to relate.

I get it, she replied, her voice a little throatier than usual. She really did, despite her butthurt. She twitched her lips into a faint smile, which she could only hope looked convincing. Despite Wraen’s insistence that it wasn’t her decision alone, Towhee accepted it as already made.

She shook her head. She hadn’t voiced this thought to anyone else. Towhee hadn’t wanted to float it past Wraen only because she was part of one of said sisters packs; she also valued her as a confidante who could tell her if the idea even had any merit at all before involving anyone else in a more serious capacity.

I’ve only talked to you, she clarified, because you’re my friend. And you’re a leader too. I value your feedback. I wouldn’t make a decision based on your input alone—no offense—but I know you’re a great sounding board. This time, the smile came a little more easily, more genuinely.