Dragoncrest Cliffs I knew not to trust, yet I had no choice.

She does not have the answers. Dacio's eyes dropped once more at this response, lingering quietly on his own charcoal forepaws as he willed himself to keep from falling apart. The boy sniffed back his emotion, gritted his fangs, and lifted his chin only when Heda attempted to soothe his broken spirit with a gentle promise.

"Thank you," was all he could muster, and he managed a watery smile as he took note of the leader's own. Dacio would be there for her too, he thought fiercely, though inwardly doubted he'd ever truly be needed. He could never be the best Gona, but he was determined to prove his loyalty - more than anything.