Moonspear once more, with feeling

As was typical, Killdeer—despite the best of intentions—completely and utterly missed the subtext.

Well, yes, the kids were definitely the main reason why I came, he replied. But I promise, Sialuk—I'm not just here to cut and run if or when they do. I won't slack off; I intend to serve your pack, not just the children.

It was a purpose he hadn't felt since Mereo. His half-siblings via Bronco had been old enough to not really need his guidance (and had wandered, anyway), and with Fennec, he felt chained to his childhood.

Here, he could be his own man again—and the stakes were so much higher.