Haunted Wood be strong sweet little one

back on the island, vesper said immediately, seriously— but when the gut reaction faded, she flattened her ears in disappointment. it would be a long time before either of them were ready to lead a back, and they both knew an elongated disappearing act of either of them would not be tolerated by the adults in their lives. if they hadn't a choice in coming here, escape was surely impossible.

it was the darkling's turn to sigh, now.

i think... things are going to keep changing, vesper finally told her, bitter. she couldn't bring herself to sugarcoat or find the bright side of these familial situations anymore. she didn't know what it meant for the two of them, but the darkling knew that if she was brought to phox's home— it was because she was expected to form a relationship with him, and in order to do that, she would have to distance herself from her adoptive family. or so her teenage mind believed.

over my dead body. that sentiment hadn't stopped them from forcing her away from her birthplace. how could she hope it would stop them from leaving her behind at the caldera, too, and taking blueberry with them?

but this next statement she believed with her whole heart: you'll be okay, boo.