Stepping from the mist, Despoina looked like she continued to vanish into the white voids. Slate eyes glanced at the alligator Aithne had been studying. The creature seemed far more interested in protecting her young than troubling the wolves. It seemed as though both Aithne and alligator had come to a conclusion about each other and about life through their lives and experience. Despoina almost felt bad for interrupting their moment. Almost.

“I do. I believe she could make a good spy. She seems to be good at getting secrets from people.” Her last words were touched with a growl. The woman had been flirting with her in their play. Her mouth watered at the thought. Dark ears flattened against her head, eyes narrowed. Possibly stationed far away. The last comment was under her breath, not caring if the Alphess heard her or not. The secrets she kept were ones she was not sure she wanted the woman to know yet. Even if she climbed the ranks of the pack she feared the reaction of those around her. Time would tell if her rank only increased that fear, or helped calm her with the security of reputation. “Maeve has a playful nature, but will not be too afraid to show her teeth. She may do well with older pups as well.” Either way, it would keep the tempting woman far from her. A smirk fitted on her face. No one wanted her around pups. She shifted in the clearing, her gaze wandering from Aithne, to the alligator, the trees, the mists, and the rocks in the mud. The Empress had not dismissed her. In fact, when Aithne spoke again Despoina’s movement froze. Blood ran cold in her veins and eyes flashed dangerously. Aunt? Father? The anger that had stirred her so passionately when she stepped from adolescence began to boil once more. Slate eyes flicked from the ground to the dark ruler that stood before her. A dangerous seriousness settled on the woman and not for the first time her narrow face came to resemble an onyx statue.

Tell me what became of fucker who did not step up to care for his children.