Northstar Vale Incredible thoughts, incredible minds

Killdeer felt like crying, too. He visibly wilted, his shoulders beginning to sag. But one thing Germanicus had given him was a backbone and a brave face, and he mustered both now, despite his heart crying out to beg Fennec for them to stay here.

Their place was elsewhere. It had to be, for his mother's sake—and honestly, for his, too. He couldn't be attached to Grandma forever.

He gave a brusque nod in response.

Somewhere close?

Fennec answered Phox, and he glanced to her before giving another affirmative shake of his head, still silent. He wasn't coming. Killer knew it in his heart.

Okay, he said, after a moment's silence. We should get going, then. Gotta go tell my dad that Mereo imploded, he added, his humor coming across more bitter than bubbly as he choked back his emotions.