Shadewood Change

For the first time in his life, Vorilye felt uncertain. He felt as if somehow Themis had stripped him bare, and now all of his flaws could be seen. He wondered what she saw, when she looked at him. He had half a mind to ask, though he pushed this aside, too. "I know that I want to defend my children, and the mother of them. I know I want the chance to raise my children better than my father raised me." His icy eyes met her bluer gaze, and there was a hard, determined look in his. He did not expect romance with Themis - he had not originally intended to see anything through - but now, at least, he intended to be a true father, if she would let him.