The Heartwood You want me to stay

She should've guessed that her subtle threat might excite him. Meerkat swallowed, letting out a breath as she took in his words. He called her out on her bluff, although it wasn't, at least not entirely. She didn't want to bring trouble to Eldritch, which was why she'd never breathed a word about Ivory Rose to her mother.

But there was nothing stopping her from giving Towhee this wolf's name, description and location. The yearling knew about her mother's history with the former residents of Blackfeather Woods. It wouldn't take much to rouse Towhee's wrath toward any inhabitants causing trouble. All she needed to do was make sure the Sovereign knew not to target the black she-wolf who'd helped her...

Before she could formulate another thought, Santiago lunged toward her. Meerkat instinctively sprang out of reach, or so she hoped. Once she began moving, she didn't stop. It was very likely he wanted her to run, though she really had no choice but to play into his hands at the moment. It was her best possible chance at getting out of this situation.