"Into our territory?" He's not quite shouting, but close. His hands are fists at his sides, knuckles white. "After everything they've done to us? After—"
"She saved my sister."
Keer doesn't raise his voice. Doesn't change his posture.
"That's the end of it."
Silence.
The hostile man wants to argue—I can see it in every line of his body, his weight shifting forward, teeth bared—but he doesn't. He stares at Keer for a long moment, then steps back into the crowd. Not satisfied. Not convinced. Just overruled.
And nobody questions that. Nobody says wait, let's discuss this. He said it's done and it's done.
Because he said it.
I'm going to need a cold stream.
Nugget's basket is crooked and I straighten it, tuck the flap down, very important the flap, essential really, chicken containment is a priority right now—
"Dara."
A woman steps forward. Sturdy build, dark hair braided back, capable hands. She's almost smiling.
"Show her the empty dwelling by the eastern ridge. Make sure she has what she needs."
"Yes, Alpha."
Dara gestures for me to follow. I adjust the basket—Nugget's been quiet through all of this, probably plotting revenge for later—and start to move.
"Mel."
Kestria catches my arm. Her face is pale, but she's fighting back a smile. I can see her fighting it.
"Don't," I say.
"I didn't say anything."
"You're thinking it."
"I'm thinking many things." She's losing the fight. "We'll talk about them later."
"Weabsolutelywill not."
"Mel—"
"You need to go rest. Keer's making you. Go rest. Stop almost dying. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine.Totallyfine. I'm a professional. I'm a healer who is here to heal people and do work and not—" I wave my free hand. "I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
"I look like someone who just embarrassed herself in front of a group of people with supernatural noses. Which is exactly what I am. Go rest."
She hugs me—quick, careful of her wound—and pulls me close, mouth against my ear. "For what it's worth, I think you surprised him."
"I hate you."
