Whitefish River And I see fire, hollowing souls,

Riley had never really had a friend. He'd had his siblings, who he had learned to resent. He'd had his mother, who he had learned to fear. He'd had his aunt, who he had learned to hate.

And he had  Esme.. who he had learned was no good for him, anyway.

Orlaith's nudge brought him back to the real world. To her.

He blinked carefully, detesting the vulnerability that was creeping up into his throat. Don't do it, don't say it. Don't admit it.

"Yes." Riley finally admitted, studying his coarse paws with a frown. He was only in Kaistleoki because of her. If he said he wasn't her friend, he was lying to himself and worse, was lying to her.

The pair spent some time together well into the burnish of the evening sun. Riley retired to his den, his steps just slightly lighter.