Wapun Meadow I believed it all, every word you said

Etienne didn’t really react at all, beyond a mutter and a soft query. Cambria blinked, eyes shifting to the side as he frowned thoughtfully. He’d really anticipated more emotion, though maybe he was flattering himself. Or, more likely, his friend simply didn’t have the emotional bandwidth after being put through the wringer. The thought made the Dragonling’s heart throb.

Er, yeah. Her name is Odessia. And, Cambria said, meaning to say one thing but once more saying something else, I’m scared shitless, man. She’s cool and I think we’ll be halfway decent parents—at least, I hope we will—but I mean… I definitely wasn’t planning on any of this. I wasn’t lying to you when I told you I couldn’t bear getting close to anyone. Now I have no choice. And I have so fucking much to lose now, Eti.

His pale face was stricken as he beheld Etienne’s, knowing the other man would understand all too well. But unlike Etienne, Cambria didn’t think he would survive it if he lost Odessia or their pups. It would absolutely destroy him, particularly if they lost the children he already loved with his whole heart, despite himself.

I know it’s incredibly selfish to ask, he said a moment later, but we could use a helping hand. And you’re my friend. At least, I hope it’s okay to still call you that after how I’ve behaved, he finished with a bowed head and limp tail.