Wheeling Gull Isle goodbye blue sky

The sadness that flickered over Seelie's face was unmistakable, and it broke her heart. Still, she must keep her resolve. She softened her gaze, trying to convey just how sorry she was. . .and how grateful she was to the seawolves for taking her in without question. She wouldn't have expected that from anyone, let alone a pack so different from that of her birth.

"You don't have to come with me," Maegi whispered, knowing the fear in the Aralez's heart for Blackfeather Woods--and for good reason. "Venninne and Moorhen will do just fine. I--I know that my home has not been kind to you in the past."

Why would she ever make this wonderful woman relive that? It would be a cruelty worse than inflicting physical pain, to reopen the wounds upon her heart and soul. Besides, she had the guppies to look after, here. And Maegi would come back to visit, eventually; they would meet again, someday.

She did expect Coelacanth to fight her on this, though. It was in her nature to be gently stubborn.