Shadewood the wood's labyrinth

The aura of a burden was equal between them, and Cormorant was painfully aware of it, like it were a physical thing looming above them. The simple words that came brought a noncommittal hum from him, though his face twisted into a hue of disappointment. He had no plans upon the pack, but it was always a poor day when one faded or departed. Though the words chosen gave him pause, You didn't follow?

It wasn't an accusation nor a judgement, just resting between them as though the conversation were a mere and casual thing and not the discussion of pillars falling.

A mirthless laugh left him, one devoid of mocking but filled with knowing. Loneliness is a life few would choose.

An earnest thought passed him by, but he dismissed it, the tense line of his spine smoothing into something comfortable. His falsehood charisma waxing into view, Are these wilds a cruel place?