Hushed Willows Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism?

“I apologize for being forward. It comes with being alone for so long; my social skills need some work.” She smiled sheepishly, her ears falling back on her head in embarrassment. Her ears perked as she listened to Reverie talk of her old home; a feeling of anger and a want to protect this new acquaintance of hers bubbled up in a soft growl. How could someone that radiates such light come from somewhere that was unkind to her? 

Reina cleared her throat. “I—I am so sorry, I did not stop to think my question could be insensitive. I would much rather talk about better times. Hearthwood sounds wonderful—and in turn, so does the Teekon Wilds—I would love to see more of this place and of your home. Stories can only do so much for the imagination.” Her tired heart picked up pace, renewed with the feeling of home. 

Is this where she is meant to be? Was she meant to run into her angel friend? She surely felt a kinship with Reverie, despite the pitiful attempts at being flirtatious. Learning from a very young age that she appreciated both males and females in a romantic way, it took Reina longer to realize that not everyone feels the way she does. Luckily, with her father being the leader of their pack, she was exempt from other’s bigotry, but it didn’t negate the awful words spoken in whispers.