Swiftcurrent Creek wild inside

Etienne did not insist, though he mentioned a few reasons why pack life wasn’t so bad. Cambria listened, though he felt a little crestfallen. Yes, those things were nice… until they disappeared. And though he might not have described Mulherin as harsh, exactly, he had certainly been broody. All of the Redtails had been rather coldblooded.

I thought I’d spend the winter with the Redtails, he murmured, but they’re gone. They were strong once but they fell all the same. What if the same thing happens here?

When it seemed Etienne had finished tending him, Cambria gently slipped his leg free and stepped back to shake out his coat. It wasn’t particularly necessary, more of a way to recalibrate himself. He looked down at the healer’s handiwork, then his mismatched eyes drifted upward to land softly on Etienne’s handsome face.

I appreciate the offer, the Dragonling said, quiet but earnest, the “but” dangling from his lips. Rather than voice it, he inhaled rather sharply and said instead, There’s something else, and then paused.

Before he walked out of Etienne’s life, this time for good, Cambria decided he may as well throw all his cards on the table. It could make his decision harder… or maybe it would make it easier. It all depended on how Etienne fielded the confession now tingling on his tongue.

I like you, Etienne, as more than a friend. If there was any chance you might be interested too, well… I know you’d be worth sticking around for. But if you don’t feel that way—which is fine, of course—then it’s best if I make my own way in the world. Either way, I will never forget your friendship and care, Eti.