Blacktail Deer Plateau show no mercy to the pure

She listened quietly, not really understanding but not speaking out. Maybe Lasher found it easy to compose himself, but the Blacktail youth was much less controlled than he, partly by age and partly by genetics. How could she not dominate in anger, she thought, when no wolf in the pack would give her the benefit of her hard work and dedication?

But still she didn't say that, and at last, went with, "I'll do my best." She made no guarantees. She wasn't in a position to make promises, having so recently been slighted on multiple occasions by newcomers and Blacktail veterans alike. Maybe one day she would find the balance that he spoke of, but probably not for a long while.

Glancing at his slumbering children, Saena murmured, "thank you, Lasher. I'll let you have some alone time." Much as she had with Blue Willow, Saena began scooting backward out of the den, but paused before fully withdrawing and said, "they're gorgeous, by the way."