Silvertip Mountain loss of breath

her father says nothing. looks disappointed. Ashlar says. . .something, to her surprise. her eyes cut to the dark young man, widening. she gives him a quick nod, fervent but brusque.

then snaps back to her father.

where Ma? she asks, chin lifted. maybe it's too late, forgotten, trailing. but Merrick had heeded her call, and not Astara. why?

she begins to meander toward Ashlar, taking her side at the other wolf's side.

she's still breathing hard, sharp sucking breaths through her gritted teeth.