Redtail Rise And I felt his blood pour fast and hot,

Riley looked repentant. The way he dropped his eyes immediately placated Masquerade. They took a few more steadying breaths and then coaxed their muscles to unstiffen. They glided closer to him, tail lifting of its own volition. It wagged.

After narrowing the gap to just a yard or so, Masquerade’s muzzle wrinkled as they bared their teeth. In apparent disagreement with their facial expression, their tail continued to fan the air almost invitingly, as if daring Riley to make a move.