Redhawk Caldera And nobody cries, there’s only butterflies.

It took some time to reach their destination, during which Towhee split her attention between Amalia’s face—they exchanged a bit more small talk as they walked—and the surrounding territory. Aside from that strange scent, everything appeared exactly as she’d left it. That made sense, considering she’d only been gone a few days.

But much had changed in their fortunes, a thought that had her lips curling as they finally climbed into the airy lair beneath the hill. Towhee made a beeline toward the back, snuffling at her makeshift nest there. She unearthed the little pile of bones she’d hidden there, full of marrow.

She plucked out the biggest one and tossed it Amalia’s way, then picked one for herself. Rather than plop down in her bed, she walked back toward the doorway so she could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as she snacked. She eased down into a sphinx position, the bone cradled between her forepaws, and waited for Amalia to join her.