Blacktail Deer Plateau cruel to be kind

Her ears pinned back, slicked back against her skull as Peregrine screamed. But no retaliation. She bore his anger as if she was a wall against the wind, rain spattering against old brick. Old enough to come apart, should it be strong enough. But not. . .yet. . . 

Don't, Maegi whispered, eyes shifting to see the two of them almost at blows. Not. . .his fault.

He was right to hate her. And Vesper was right to care. They each were justified in their own way; things were too complicated here to be black and white.

She moved to rise, but was stymied again by her treacherous muscles. Perhaps they knew her mind would gladly send her sailing down the rise, headlong into the river. Her teeth came together, hard. She stared at her children, pleading.

They could hate her, but they could not hate each other.

Don't fight, she said, her voice soft, but undoubtedly a command. Please.