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

Riley knew enough of social norms to understand his hierarchy here: Masque, while younger, was an established member of the pack. It may have been unintentional, but she had become unsettled -- and if Riley valued his place here, he must ease the tension and show he'd not meant to put her on edge.

A few seconds passed; Riley licked his lips in appeasement. It seemed that was enough for Masque, whose tail wagged -- but the rest of her body was in discordance. Her head was higher, her face tense and teeth showing -- Riley eyed this assortment warily.

He stood his ground, muscles growing tenser -- if he made a move, would it be seen as challenging?