Sleepy Fox Hollow when you wake, you're bargaining

He tried his best, but Wylla knew Mahler well enough by now to sense how haunted he was behind the calm lavender eyes. Leaving Rivenwood... It was probably the hardest decision he had ever had to make. Wylla had cared very little for her packmates there, but Mahler was a different sort. He cared very deeply about others. To irrevocably burn those bridges must be eating him alive, especially knowing they had left two children to their fate.

Wylla knew she would have to work hard to show him this sacrifice was worth it. She regretted nothing and felt Rivenwood had used him and failed him, but she knew better than to try to tell him that. She snaked her head under his chin when he embraced her, listening for his steady pulse in his throat.

She refused to think of the blood in the snow.

Wylla remained there for a time, a steadying presence, but eventually she pulled away. She sought his misty eyes with her singular one. Talk to me, Mahler, she bid him.