The Heartwood A Minor Setback

As soon as she heard the howl, Violante was running, and she didn't stop until she scented Avery. Two more scents, each one concerning, met her nose: an unknown female in heat, and her half-brother, Vorilye. "What's going on?" she hissed, rushing into the scene, seeing red. She stopped suddenly, stiffening, hackles bristling, until her eyes registered what she was seeing: Avery, and a small female, who reeked of Vorilye, bleeding with a mangled ear.

"Welcome to the family". These words had Violante snarling once more. "No. No!" The melanistic female spat angrily. She looked from Lorelai's pathetic form to Avery. "... I know what he has done. It... is a practice common to my bloodline." She turned her black eyes on Lorelai. For a split second, Violante looked guilty. "We won't know for certain until certain... symptoms appear. But, I think he's used her as a - a breeder." Violante bowed her head, then felt anger rise in her chest once again. She faced Avery, meeting his gaze.

"She stays with us if that is the case."