Redhawk Caldera Just as I took the world on my shoulders

She felt a zing of relief when Fennec immediately replied, "No." It was short-lived, though, because she made an entirely unexpected declaration about her position in the leadership. Maybe Towhee should've seen it coming, though she couldn't have possibly anticipated any of this.

She was so caught off guard, she made no reply as Fen moved to collect Killdeer and return to their den. Should've waited until later, her inner voice scolded. All Towhee could do was draw in a breath and tell herself not to take it personally. Surely Fennec didn't mean any of it.

But that was easier said than done, of course. Towhee felt oddly jittery as she motioned for Caracal to come to her. He seemed a little perplexed but he obeyed. The press of his shoulder against hers was soothing, though as she led him toward the rendezvous site, the pain amplified. It reminded her of the rattlesnake; the quick, biting words had hurt but it was the poison in them spreading inside her and truly wreaking havoc.