Noctisardor Bypass There is no such thing as happy endings

Wake turned sharply at the sound of running, snowmelt hackles flared at the sense of an ambush. But he knew a true attack when he saw one, and this assault was mere bluff—for now. The rogue stood his ground, tail arced over his back and muzzle set into a ugly grimace as he turned met her head-on instead of leaving her his back to snap at.

If she wanted to bite, she would have to meet his teeth in kind.

The marble vagrant and the masked wildheart arrived an impasse, glowering at one another as Rowyn attempted to diffuse the situation. Wake lifted his head to resume his unbothered disposition, choosing to accept the apology made by Rowyn on Goldfinch’s behalf. No harm done, he assured them, breathing his own tension out through his nose. I know how to take a hint.

With a wave of his tail, Wake started to back away. We shall have to meet again, saer Rowyn. If you are ever in need of company, or someone to speak the tongues with, you may call for me. I will be making this valley my home. He gave a pointed look towards Goldfinch. Until then.

He moved to make an unhurried and graceful exit, keeping an eye out for movements from the unpredictable goldflame as he went.