Mount Everfall God loves his children

Laurel's outburst had been brat-like and troubling, but it secretly brought Hiram joy. To know that his daughter, who barely knew him, wished to come with him back the grotto, to her true home -- well, it was humbling to say the least. Raas had surely already sewn the seeds of His love in her heart. The Lord called to her. No doubt the child could feel God's silent pull.

But as soon as the child made her opinion known, she was shuffled away (along with her sister whom Hiram was granted merely a glance). His gaze followed his children as they were led away, leaving just himself and Spring behind.

She spoke without vitriol, but her stance was clear. Hiram was not welcome here. "It hurts doesn't it?" He asked rhetorically. "To hear those words spoken by one you love." Laurel was only parroting the hatred Spring held in her own heart -- Hiram could see how much it destroyed the creek's new alpha, even if the feeling behind Laurel's outburst was simply spur of the moment. Perhaps now she would understand how he felt.

He would not leave. Not after traveling so far. "Let's be civil and talk this out like adults." No doubt, he wouldn't get far, but it was worth a shot.