Hushed Willows You are the reason.

The kid shrunk a little, lowering his posture accordingly. Dacio was reminded of himself at that age, when he'd been faced with Artaax on the verge of a rampage. The pale one had never much liked him, despite his eagerness to learn and fit in. The Wocha and Fisa's offspring had been under scrutiny since birth, he'd later learned, after the tremendous failure that was their first litter. Dacio and Opalia had far surpassed anyone's expectations.

He didn't say anything, instead ducking to place the object he carried on the ground. Dacio followed his movements with sharp eyes, grey-green gaze lingering on the smooth edges of the rounded pebble with curiosity. A long time ago, he collected random things and carried them around with him too. He lifted his stare again, finding the juvenile's pale blue gaze, and frowned thoughtfully. "Did you find it?"