Moonsong Glacier Fending for His Life and Fleeing From His Past

Through it all, the chief reminded himself continually that it could all very well be a lie. If it was, it was an artless one. Pointless. And Dutch believed by the way he spoke Raika's name that he'd been in love — that he was in love with her.

He weighed this belief against the possible dangers posed to his pack — to the shadow girl stood not far behind him.

"I will not apologize for being harsh to protect my family," he said at last, "But I am sorry for your loss, and for the way that your father betrayed you."

He looked to Sulukinak, dipping his head to thank her for confronting the stranger.

"Come and eat," he said to Hototo. "I only ask that when you have rested, you begin helping us stock up on meat once more.