Redtail Rise Altay

In the silence between Riley’s question and Masque’s answer, it was like a guillotine raised. Her response was the lever pulling it all downwards.

It was his fault for breathing life into something she didn’t want for herself. He’d hitched his cart to the wrong horse. While not stupid, he could be slow — but now it made sense on why twice now, she’d directed him to other women.

He hid the frown that threatened to break his composure. Thankfully, there was no need to limp to an answer — Masquerade was already moving, the fox seized in her jaws in play.

Grateful for the distraction, though fully aware of what she was doing, Riley thudded after her with a yap. Hey! No take backs.