Redhawk Caldera Reliquia.

Hotah watched her settle the pup, a fondness tugging gently at his features. Her teasing earned a quiet huff of amusement, the kind that softened his whole face without him even noticing.

When she signed that she wouldn’t meddle, he dipped his head in an easy nod—grateful, relieved, and maybe a little amused himself. Fair enough, he murmured, tone warm. Lane stayed.

Peregrine’s tiny fussing pulled his attention for a moment, that instinctive protective pull flickering in his chest. But when Towhee steadied the pup and he finally latched, Hotah’s shoulders eased.

Her final request—speaking of eating…—pulled his gaze back to her. The coy look she gave him coaxed a small grin to the corner of his mouth.

Yeah, he said, nodding once as he rose to his feet, voice low and sure. I’ve got you.

A brief glance toward the pups, protective and soft, before his eyes returned to her.

I’ll find something good.

He brushed past her on his way out—warm, steady presence lingering like a promise—and disappeared toward the slope with the easy confidence of a man who’d always return with exactly what she needed.

Fade here? Thank you for the thread!