Redhawk Caldera Who knows how to use a flamethrower?

She knew Finley wouldn't argue with her; there was simply no room for it. So when the Alpha female retorted with a "no," Towhee steeled her jaw and blinked in surprise. Her lips parted. She had already made a solid case, though she would fight for this right if needs be. They pressed together again because it appeared Finley had more to say on the subject. But when she did, Towhee couldn't believe her ears (or, rather, her eyes).

Her heartbeat was pounding in her ears all of a sudden as she regarded Finley, trying to make sense of the words. Despite her hearing impairment, she knew she had heard (seen) right. But what did her godmother mean by it? Was it a joke? Towhee was not amused. She squinted at her aunt's face, seeing no trace of glibness in the Blackthorn's expression. In fact, all she could think as she gazed at Finley was, When did you get so pale? The matriarch wasn't old, but she looked like Towhee felt: aged.

For several moments, she didn't really know what to say. She had a lot of questions. Eventually, she simply settled on, "We already have a perfectly good Alpha. Two of them, actually."