Noctisardor Bypass bedauert

She felt much like he did, in a secret part of herself. Wylla knew this could only be temporary; while she had a new lease on life and was more willing to bury the hatchet, there was still a lot between them that was not resolved, and possibly never would be. She was still not fully open to him, and he was still beset by the bitter things she had engendered in him.

This moment, likely not built to last, but Wylla handled it gingerly. She didn't want to shatter the peace, however temporary it was. A taste of a life she could have, if she wasn't so selfish and hellbent on pointing fingers at everyone but herself. She wanted it for as long as she could have it.

Just some stupid bear, she muttered, downplaying the severity. Like I'd let some stupid bear do me in. They both knew Wylla would have died without his interference. It was uncharitable of her to downplay it at all. It implied, in a way, that his efforts and Phaedra's efforts were unnecessary. Wylla knew this, said it anyway, then sucked her tongue back into her throat with regret, because she was beginning to do what she always did.

Thorns creeping up from the ditch.

Walk it back, she berated herself moments before she added, I'm glad you were there.