Did you not read the company policy?

Barghest's gaze sharpened as Absinth's tale took a darker turn, her expression shifting from curiosity to a calculating intensity. The mischievous glint in Absinth's eyes was met with a glacial, unwavering stare from Barghest. Absinth revealed the boy's lineage, and Barghest's mind raced with possibilities. She observed the other pups around her, noting the subtle reactions to Absinth's words. Some looked intrigued, while others seemed uneasy. She herself could only understand in terms of reading the woman’s body language, and she had turned… devious.

The ultimatum presented by the Syndicate hit Barghest on a visceral level. She understood all too well the way you could be bound by loyalty and duty. And as Absinth painted the scene of the pack facing down the threat of the Syndicate, Barghest felt a flicker of admiration for the boy's parents, their resolve tested in the crucible of adversity. They chose their son. But there was no room for sentimentality in Barghest's world. She listened intently as Absinth posed her question, her mind already racing ahead to the inevitable conclusion. The choice was clear, a reflection of the harsh realities of life.

“What an idiot. He made them lose everything. Because he followed some stranger away.” Barghest replied, her voice devoid of emotion as she met Absinth's gaze with a cool intensity. Of course, she had room to speak, seeing as her big brother was nearby. But she would never have put herself into the same situation. Who raised kids like that? Lured away with books and treats. Stupid.
""