Redtail Rise wildcard

She had prepared herself for this, yet the reality still hurt. Masquerade swallowed thickly at Redd’s dispassionate question, her ears pulling backward. She felt a flicker of indignation which she ignored with all her might.

I’m here, Masque began, her deep voice gone thready. She cleared her throat and continued, to check on you because I missed you, Redd. I care about you, she repeated, and I wanted to tell you—and the others—I’m sorry for disappearing without a word.

Her marigold eyes finally cut to her mate. There was a thundercloud on Riley’s brow. Masquerade held his gaze for a moment before it slid away, glancing in the direction of Nova Peak before landing back on that patch of dirt between Redd’s feet.

I also wanted to let you know we’re hoping to settle somewhere east of here to start our family. I was hoping we wouldn’t have to be strangers.