Redtail Rise We are close to war.

He didn’t meet their eyes. If anything, Riley’s posture became more deferential. Interesting… Masquerade mused, their heart beating a little faster in their chest for some reason.

But they stayed focused on their teasing, lips curving at the Blod’s evident surprise. He didn’t look uncomfortable, they decided after a momentary assessment. Masquerade decided to keep pressing the issue.

I’m sure she’s thinking of who might sire her next litter, Masque said, and seeing as you’re the only eligible bachelor in the pack at present, I think she might have her sights set on you. They let that dangle for a moment, then shrugged and added, But who knows what might happen by springtime.

The Ulfr took a seat then, arching sideways to raise a hind leg to scratch at an itch behind their left ear. Their eyes never left the Blod, ever curious to see how their words impacted him.