Yara had begun to turn away, moving toward her den with deliberate and subdued movements. The cool air of the cave she stepped into felt oppressive, a start reminder of her captivity. She pulled the tiger pelt from her shoulders, its warmth and softness a small comfort to the harsh reality she now faced. She dropped it at her paws gently when she heard Basilisk speak again.
Yara paused in her retreat, the unexpected question giving her a moment of hesitation. She turned back to face Basilisk, her expression carefully controlled. The sharpness in his earlier tone had made her wary, but the curiosity in his eyes now seemed genuine. She took a breath, gathering her thoughts.
"My name is Yara Grey," she said her full name quietly but with pride, her voice steady. "I was looking for food and herbs to treat illnesses. I am on my own and food can be hard to come by, I suppose I was desperate. I also lack the company of any healers, so preventing illnesses is important to me if I am too survive." That last part hit her more than she expected, the truth of her family being wiped out by a sickness still a bit raw to her. She met his gaze, letting a hint of her vulnerability show. "I never meant to steal from your pack, only to find what I needed. I didn't think of you, or the army, just that what I needed was unattended and able to be taken from wolves that wouldn't miss it." Her sun-yellow gaze lingered on him for a moment, curiosity striking her as well. If he were to be stripped of his rank and his wolves, would he resort to the same measures she had? She hmm'ed quietly, lowering her lighter colored muzzle.
With that, she turned away again, retreating to her den. She lay down on the tiger pelt, curling into herself, the weight of her words settling heavily in her chest. She knew she had to be careful, to hide her true intentions behind a facade of obedience, but her heart ached with the longing to escape and reunite with her brother. For now, she would bide her time, waiting for the right moment to act. Thoughts of the inner workings of the caverns and how the caves and tunnels that he showed her were laid out were the last thing on the young warrior's mind as she fell asleep.
-exit Yara-
