Wolf Heart

Gavroche did not flinch away as he probably should have. His gaze remained gentle, sympathetic even at her hostile gaze and posture. Her snarl caused him to wince though and he lowered his gaze submissively, his smile sad. “I know… you don’t trust me. What reason do you have to trust a stranger?” That smile faded as he lifted his eyes to look at her again, attempting to meet her gaze. “My cousin and I went in to try and earn you your freedom but… The eruption… took their life. I couldn’t save them… but… I made a promise...” His ears lowered some as some voice, sounding just like his grandmother, hissed in the corner of his mind. Why do you care to save her? Why should you?

“I can’t complete the trade without Mela… but… I can offer them myself instead. My wings are… pretty odd… maybe she’ll find that more valuable… and maybe other wolves who would seek a slave will think they’re neat… I’ll take your place… so you can be free… as everyone should be.” Gavroche took a step back, taking a breath before throwing back his head and letting out a howl for the viking woman. Even with the damage from the smoke his throat had suffered, for such a tiny creature he had a strong voice and the sound carried over basin. Hopefully she would not be long in coming… he did not want time to have doubts or second thoughts.

No, he thought. He wouldn’t.

This was what he wanted, and needed, to do.