Redhawk Caldera Back before these calloused hands and all this work

Hotah’s grin warmed, slow and easy, like sunlight breaking through the clouds. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze soft but amused as he regarded her.
You give yourself too little credit, Amalia, he said, voice rich and steady, carrying that familiar thread of warmth that always seemed to linger when he spoke. Kindness may be what we should do, but that doesn’t mean many do it. You make it look natural.
He huffed a quiet laugh, his tail swaying lazily behind him. And as for Towhee— his tone turned playful, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes, —I think if anyone’s earned a little spoiling, it’s her. Though you might be the only one who could get away with teasing her about it.
For a beat, he studied her, the humor fading into something gentler. The world could use more wolves like you, he admitted, sincere beneath the charm. If there’s light left to find in all this, I think you carry a bit of it.