Shadewood With all the fire we can breathe.

There was a minute hesitation before Riley replied. She wanted to ask him if he was sure, though before she had the chance, their unwelcome guest spoke in that unsettling cadence. Masquerade’s eyes cut to her sharply, a surprised expression drifting across her face before she thought to school her expression.

I do know your son, she said slowly, but no, he didn’t stick around.

All the same, Masque had grown a little fond of the yearling, who reminded her of her own younger brother. Her tail switched like an irritated cat’s as she continued gazing at the dark woman, only now wondering how she’d overhead the whispered exchange.

Between this new information and the hesitation she sensed in her mate, Masquerade abruptly changed her mind. With a click of her teeth and an impatient growl, she lunged into the elder female’s space.

Just—get out, she said, muzzle wrinkling and long tail curling like a scorpion’s ready to strike.