Redtail Rise Aquaplane

“Watched over…” Masque glanced up at their mother’s face for an instant, then looked down again. One of the puppies began to fuss. Gently, they craned forward to nudge the infant with their chin.

Their head raised at Avicus’s next few words, lips parting. So there was a term for the role Masquerade had been craving for some time now: Caru. Masque’s heart thumped gladly in their chest, thrilled at this formal recognition of their calling.

Of course, they breathed, tail thumping. Of course I’ll help you look after them, mother. Eyes falling to the four bundles of joy, their older sibling promised them, I’ll watch over you.