Duck Lake illusion; diverted

Aventus could read the intent behind his soundless mother's glances as readily as though she'd spoken them out loud. Merrick only confirmed it with his words, and their son miraculously mistook the meaning as a proclamation that he would now lead with them, and he straightened his spine and stood with pride. He, the bear prince.

What must I do? he asked, glancing between them for some kind of instruction on how to lead with them, and what to do in their absence. It didn't bother him that they were leaving without him. Aventus knew they would return and had no reason to worry about them, and either they would bring Avicus back and she would be lesser than him, or they would not bring her back and she would be dead. No longer any sort of threat to him, either way.