Emberwood oxytocin

It didn't matter what he was thinking—of her, of the situation, of himself. All Blueberry knew was that she had successfully repelled a trespasser. . .and without shedding a single drop of blood.

Well, besides her own. But she had done that.

The girl stood, self-satisfied, watching the hulking man stalk away. She'd watch him until he disappeared altogether into the brush, and then would follow at a distance, making sure he stayed gone.

Then, she'd go crow about her victory to whomever would listen.

She felt useful.

She felt much better.