My feeble walls are closing in

Bellamy was unable to understand, at least in her current stressed state, that it really wasn’t the man she thought she was speaking to. Past and present continued to bleed together as her posture remained submissive, frightened, awaiting punishment… that always came when she disobeyed.

Ears was at a loss himself, drawing closer to the female to offer her some comfort. “...right.” He murmured. “Look, do what you got to do for what happened, yeah? But if you can help figure out what’s going on…” He furrowed his brow and glanced up at the she-wolf. “Please do…” Seeing her frightened when she needed healing was one thing. He wasn’t sure what to make of Bellamy like this…

Whiskers sighed and turned towards her companion. “It’s the past… I should have seen the signs before.” She told him. “Bells isn’t well… but… she still needs to be responsible for what happened regardless.”

She watched Ears bristle.

“I don’t like it either but… Acere has been far more lenient than any other alpha would have been.” She glanced at the alabaster male and gave a small nod.

“I don’t think he will do anything to purposely hurt her. Not permanently. He has to be an alpha, Ears, and that means making hard decisions. We just have to help her understand. She won’t get better if we just ignore it or baby her.”

Ears huffed.

“Alright…”

---A bit later---

She was finally calm. Her head hurt and body ached but it finally felt like the paranoia that had gripped her had subsided. She rose from her companion’s sides and sighed.

“I’m sorry…” She told them both.

She was sorry they had to deal with this.

With her.

She lifted her head, gaze falling on Acere, and flicked her ears down to the sides as she padded over to where he was waiting. The female sat beside him and exhaled a breath as her tail curled around her toes.

“Whiskers tried filling me in a little bit.” She said quietly to break the silence.

“I don’t know what happened Acere.” She wasn’t looking at him but her expression and tone made it clear she understood just how heavy the cost of her actions could be.

“I truly did want to help Winterfell. I’m grateful for the aid you gave me before and now…” She shook her head. “I just gave you even more trouble.” She finally turned her green gaze towards him.

“You guys are sure I didn’t hurt him bad, right?” She knew a punishment was needed but… she had to know she hadn’t hurt that boy beyond repair. The rest she might be able to forgive herself for someday… but if she hurt someone that young?

Never.