Phoenix Maplewood smile without a reason why

Some might consider it a waste, but Alya had spent a measure of time and energy putting her coat to rights. The mud was gone (along with the foul scent) and she was glossy-furred once more. Moonspear, though, was washed away from her pelt. She could no longer smell damp caves, cool mountain air, or the faint spice of conifers on her pelt. Instead, it was the heavy taint of smoke and the cloying sweetness of the maples. And, of course, the scent of the Morningsiders.

Speak of the devil. Alya watched her rescuer approach, discomfort welling in the pit of her stomach. He'd brought food, and it wasn't that Alya was opposed to her whims being catered to (she rather liked the idea) - it was just that she already felt indebted to the pack, and to Aditya in particular.

"Hello, Aditya," she greeted with a weary grin, pronouncing each syllable of his name with the utmost care. She'd yet to share her name with him, and enjoyed throwing it in his face every chance she got. For the Moonspear girl, this passed as flirting.