Felltree Marsh red duck

His growl shook the forest, vibrating deep within Yura's bones. It was a careful reminder that what she said here had consequences, and though the man had yet to deliver on them, the stargirl could only guess what they might be.

But it was what he said next that chilled her blood. He'd taken someone - a sister? "My sisters are safe at home," she answered truthfully. If not Nantahala, then who? Lightfoot? No, perhaps he was bluffing then.

Beyond his foul breath lay something familiar, however, and Yuralria's heart sank deeply to smell traces of Nutuyikruk upon his pelt. Did Star Eater know? Had she let this happen? Anger curled, unable to hide her betrayal as her voice wavered. "You understand me, yes? What have you done to her?"