Redtail Rise Phoenix

Like her mate, New Snow refused to defer. Masquerade shifted her weight, shoulders drawing together as she stiffened and straightened her neck. Before she could do anything further, Redd intervened, catching her off guard.

The Caru met her sister’s snarl with one of her own. She had stood behind Redd. Even now, she defended them both. But Redd made no effort to return that favor, which just inspired Masque to narrow her eyes at her litter mate.

I changed my mind, Masque rumbled throatily. I do want to be Wealda. And, she continued, marigold eyes cutting to New Snow. I reserve the right to decide who gets breeding privileges.

She was ready to fight for that right too, despite the pain in her shoulder. Masquerade’s own posture did not relent. Her heart throbbed in her chest, full of fire. Maybe she’d breathed in a little bit of Avicus’s fiery spirit before it had left this plane entirely.

Masque sensed others gathering in the background. She resisted the urge to seek Mulherin, if he was one of them. She needed all her focus and strength right now to stand her ground and claim her crown.