Redtail Rise LI

Their irrational fear about being eaten by their sister faded into the ether as Masque began to rouse properly. Their head still pounded dully as they cracked open their eyes, struggling to focus and get their bearings. When everything came back to them in a sickening rush, they jolted upright into a crouch. Their ears pinned against their skull as they looked wildly from face to concerned face. There was no sign of Ancelin among them.

He— the yearling said abortively, pushing into a sit as their eyes found and focused on Augur in particular. He told me to find you, but he wasn’t making any sense. Now their gaze swung to Avicus. He said you have to come here and take it. Their jaw clenched as they climbed gingerly to all fours, eyes flashing as they nearly spat, He started marking and told me he was going to make me leave.

Masque’s temple throbbed and their face twisted into a grimace, tongue snaking out between bared teeth. They prickled, the pain shortening their patience and their temper both. They thought of their instant regret upon snapping at Carrion and wondered if they were going to similarly regret the words that came seething out of their mouth now.

We are not going anywhere, Masquerade rumbled, eyes cutting from Avicus to Augur, then to New Snow and Redd.