Kildeer Rest only the beginning

Once it had left her mouth, Sialuk realized she was not sure what to do with the answer. Her heart beat strongly in her chest, the same way it did before she pounced an animal.

It was the custom.

Sialuk felt herself deflate at his answer. She was not certain what she wished to hear, but this had not been it. She was, she felt, never to be seen as something to fight for. There was no reason for her to think otherwise.

You would not win, she replied curtly, feeling heat build in her chest. He did not even know if he wanted to fight for her. She did not think that would make him a very good when it came time to battle.

You would do better to fight for Lane. Sialuk felt jealousy wrap around her heart, even though she did not hold warm thoughts for Kigipigak the same way she thought he did for Lane.

The raindrop lashed her tail, feeling insulted by the exchange, but knowing she had no right to be.