Dawnlark Plains v. "hope is the thing with feathers - that perches in the soul"

Kiwi's tail lashed once, twice, as she considered the answer.  It was a good one.  I think loyalty depends, and sometimes it's used by bad leaders as an excuse to blame someone else for their failure. She said plainly.  That's why I left.  They didn't deserve it.

Nomi at least.  Wildfire had, in part, but she'd stalled in the Firebirds.  And Kiwi had known she was going to be replaced.... her new siblings were true Firebirds, related to and loved by everyone.  She was better off making her own place.

And I think curses are an excuse too.  she added, frowning.  I'm not interested in it.  I'm making my own pack and my own luck by being better.  She stood a little straighter at that.  'Cursed' sounded like giving up rather than trying to improve.