Neverland

Jesting was quickly put aside, even though the woman bantered back with her. A smile lay like a phantom on her lips, only lasting for a few moments before the topic was changed to that of a dire one. The girl blew out a soft sigh at her words, nodding slowly. It was surprising to her that Valentine had demoted her though, he was a kind and forgiving alpha. Then again she wasn't totally sure about the whole leading a pack thing, so there was that... Purple eyes pulled up from her paws as she watched Dione look her over, telling her that she had changed. Well yes, she had changed a lot since they first spoke. "I'm stronger," she said simply, trying to meet and hold the smaller woman's gaze. She had not only bulked up, but her frame had grown more slender and womanly as she reached her first year. But signs of a fighter were already apparent on her form, scars dusting across her face. Some blended with her pale coat, but others were still pink and risen. She may be young, but there was no denying that she would make a great fighter. She was no longer the scared little girl that Dione had found seasons ago, she had found herself, had found her purpose.

Memories of Dione stalking out of the meeting crossed Mercy's mind, her spine tingling at the thought. "You're leaving, aren't you?" she asked softly, ears pulling back against her skull. Her purple eyes blinked several times to try to keep back the tears that threatened to fall. Even though Dione hadn't answered her, she knew what the green woman would say. There had been a shift in her as well, she had grown more distant from other pack members and often wandered away from Imperium. Dione was like her mother, and she didn't want to see her go. But... if she was going to leave, she would be staying. She enjoyed being a part of this pack, and felt like she was making friends. Valentine trusted her, and she liked to train with him. He didn't cut corners, and wasn't afraid to really fight with her. But to say goodbye to another family member... She didn't know if she could handle it.