Spotted Eagle Mountain i'm going home

She smiled. Anyone else and she’d have immediately snapped back for the reassurance, but from him it was never belittling. She trusted his love in a way she couldn’t with anyone else.

We’ll go. She could handle some discomfort if it meant he was happy. And of her siblings, Caracal at least seemed okay on past occasions. She might have resented him a little for the way he took Killdeer away, but she was grateful too that he’d looked out for him. And given him the chance to explore with someone instead of alone.

It wasn’t as if she’d given him any actual siblings.

Selfishly, she didn’t say that it would be alright, if he chose a different place. He had options that weren’t open to her; his father, the island, places where he’d be loved and welcome. Instead she just returned the kiss and then wordlessly waited for him to lead the way.

He knew that, surely. She was just thankful that he didn’t seem to want to take them. She’d treasure his company as long as he would have her.