Swiftcurrent Creek Winter is a cruel creature

"Earraigh." Kaskara repeated it in her mind, over and over, until she felt she had the timbre right. "Earraigh." It wasn't perfect, but it was better than before. She was picking up his accent a little with each try, at least.

Kas smiled at her friend's reassurances. "Thanks, Kieran. I know you and the rest of the pack are here for me, for us, but that doesn't mean I won't be afraid." Whatever Shadow had done in his life, it wasn't pretty. Kaskara understood the need for survival and the lengths to which she would go to secure it.