Redhawk Caldera We will ride the gathering storm

If he wasn't asking for a pass into their lands, then why the fuck were they even arguing? Because that was the only term that Dante had spoken initially, and it was the one that Peregrine had immediately jumped down his throat for. He assumed it was because he had termed it a demand, not a request, and Peregrine had (perhaps rightfully) taken offense. Dante hadn't negotiated, though, because it had been non-negotiable for him from the start, and he wasn't about to play Peregrine like that. But he couldn't say so, because he couldn't explain it. And that was the real rub.

Well, if he was to be the villain here, so be it. He'd take the hit if it meant that those who needed space would get what they needed and the rest would still be welcome to interact with those from the Caldera. That was all Dante wanted. He had burned a bridge here, though, that much was clear. There wasn't much chance that he and Peregrine would be laughing about this in a few month's time, and Dante was sorely upset by that fact. He'd really enjoyed Peregrine's friendship while it had lasted.

He didn't respond with the fact that it had been Lasher who first agreed with him whole heartedly, for he didn't want Peregrine's ire directed at anyone else. Perhaps it was better that he didn't believe him about Blue Willow either, for she hadn't been set on the plan to begin with.

His ears drew back, but he steeled himself against the bitter disappointment that welled up within him. "I understand. I'm glad we are clear." And without another word, he turned, leaving Peregrine behind him. He would honor the request. He would not visit again. For now, though, he needed to inform the pack of what had been reached. Some might not respect the decision he had made, but he still felt it right, even now.

Maybe someday they would understand.