Redhawk Caldera scholars will but nourish evil

Peregrine dropped his eyes when agony registered on Lasher's face, unable to bear the sight. A moment later, they flicked upward again, brimming now with worry. His lips parted at this news of Finley. Lasher also mentioned Tytonidae, which made a prick of guilt race through him. His lover had kept his promise and here he was, being a total dick.

Because I have to be, he tried to remind himself, preparing to say something when Lasher turned and abruptly began to lope away. Utterly nonplussed, Peregrine met Fox's frantic gaze, then swiftly began to trot after Lasher. It felt very odd to do so after his harsh words, yet Lasher's words had, of course, changed everything.

"Where do you think you're going after dropping news like that? Can't we be professional and keep personal feelings out of this?" he lashed out exasperatedly, which only served to make him feel like an even bigger asshole. Probably a hypocrite too. "Finley's intended to be our Beta. She's also a good friend of mine. Do you think we're just going to leave her there? She belongs here; this is her home and we are her family." Having made that point, Peregrine asked the most important question: "Is she transportable? I will carry her on my back if I have to."