Redtail Rise LI

how can he continue to make excuses?

but even as her blood boils, the more rational part of her brain wins out. he's right. no wounds.

no evidence, save that nearby middle-finger-in-smello-vision.

she closes the gap to Masquerade and presses her muzzle to her daughter's throat, relieved to find the steady, if faint, drum of a heartbeat there.

Avicus inhales deeply, exhales on a sigh.

the bear had taken her strength. and now, she thinks it might have taken her pack's soul.

Augur, she says, voice softer than perhaps he'd ever heard it. broken—if only a hairline fracture, barely perceptible. i don' wanna figh' anyone.

least of all you.