The young wolf returned her greeting before asking after her mother with an expression of such bitterness that the tip of Katja's tail lashed, but she said nothing. The child had a right to her anger, and more, for her mother's abandonment twice over. Had she not felt a similar disappointment and hurt and anger? She would not condemn Val for hers, no matter that she was a child. "Returned, your mother had not," she instead confirmed. "I do hold Ebony in her stead until the day when you and your siblings are of age."
Valeriya's tone lacked the defiance Katja might have expected in a young pup declaring that they were leaving their home pack, and Katja cocked her head to the side consideringly. "I would not force you to," she answered, perhaps as surprising to Val as it was to herself. But perhaps the gods had prompted her thoughtless words, for it felt right. The young wolf already almost topped the viking in height, and her newly-scarred body hardened and nearly battle-ready. Would the slow, soft life of a pack such as Ebony suit her any longer after her travels, any more than it suited Katja herself? Katja studied her silently for a moment before a soft sigh passed her lips.
"Verily, you are free to leave if it is your wish," she said in confirmation of her earlier words. "Though there are things you should be knowing."
She paused once more to marshal her words before continuing. "Your mother's lover, the Olympus wolf Virgil, does intend to spirit your siblings from me, back to her Olympus despite your mother's charge to me to care for you all. She knew of your disappearance and will be expecting you not, but you should be cautious if you do not intend to be residing in Olympus." She had more to say but for now she simply waited, to allow the girl to absorb the news.
"
|
