Totoka River Ballingoola

of course Masquerade notices the scent; everyone does. who could miss it? 

puphh, Avicus answers plainly. more warriorhh for our pack.

that's all it's ever been, to her. she loves her children fiercely—hadn't, at first, but had evolved well—but their existence here hadn't been borne of deep desire or passion.

just instinct—and her own, selfish wish fulfillment.

one day you will have 'em, she adds. you an' Redd. she gives her near-yearling daughter a once-over, admiring how much she's grown.

why would either of them consider otherwise? unless they share their uncle's capacity for deeper thought on natural matters—which, she supposes, could be possible.