Nova Peak Splitting

With their eyes closed, Masque could all too easily picture their sister’s face when they’d snarled at her. They grimaced at the recollection, letting their eyelids peel apart to squint out at the foggy view from beneath the overhang again.

They tensed when they saw a figure taking shape through the mist. Their heartbeat quickened when they realized it was “Fifth.” Masquerade pushed upright and slunk out from beneath the rock shelf, squinting at their sister. They bowed their aching head guiltily.

The Ulfr wanted to ask what she was doing here, though they could guess and said instead, I’m sorry, Fifth. I didn’t mean it. I’m not feeling myself lately.

Masque didn’t want to burden their younger sister, nor make excuses. They didn’t mention their headaches, though there were other signs aside from their shortened temper. There was the nearly constant grimacing and squinting, the unusual tightness of their ruddy face, particularly around their eyes.