Here again

Strai’s vehemence is gratifying, soothing some of their uncertainty. they’ve needed this, someone to tell them that no, what they’d said to Ignita doesn’t made them a monster. that their response had been justified. it’s like a cooling balm on their anger. but as Strai continues, Spider blinks in shock, jerking back instinctively. leave the Armada? “that’s very kind of you, Strai,” Spider murmurs, truly touched that he cares so much, “but i can’t just go. they need me here.” was that even true? sure, they’re sort of co-heir - but the pack has Wylan, don’t they? and though Bas tries, his attention will soon be focused on his impending litter. maybe they’d just get in the way, here. maybe…they ought to leave. “i can’t,” they say again, this time a little less certainly. “Bas needs me.” but…does he?

"Speech"