Sun Mote Copse You question the choices in your life.

She didn't know why, but seeing that strange-looking wolf hoisting food from a Firebirds cache set Alyx's teeth on edge. Stiff hairs prickled unconsciously along her back when the dog looked at her and didn't immediately drop the food. Maybe it was because Blackheart wasn't actually a wolf or maybe it was because Alyx was more opposed to outsiders ignoring their borders than she thought she was. Whatever the case, her voice was lined with sharp ice when she sucked in a breath and said, HE—

Thudding paws and a throaty growl announced Phox, who appeared in front of Alyx so suddenly that she started. She sank instinctively back from him, both because his display was especially fierce and because she suspected she was going to be in huge shit for being here. Blackheart seemed to feel the same way; the dog dropped the pheasant and fled, leaving Alyx to press her ears down and cower behind her father while she awaited a scolding.

She wondered if they should reinforce the cache, but held her tongue for now.