Pine looked at Cenna with her shining forest eyes. It did not take long for her to come to the conclusion she would fight to the death for him and strive for his happiness. She could feel her heart beat harder just thinking about him. Tipped ears swivelled and twitched as her mind tried to work through what was happening to her and to them. For all her life she had desired to make Big Wolf proud, show him saving her life had been worth it. Now something was different. She wanted to prove to this wolf, this stranger that this bond between them was important. She would prove to him that he could count on her and fate had not wasted its time on bringing them together. It was a vow she silently made to him and determinedly made to herself.

Her eyes widened, her head shaking wildly from side to side. Absolutely not! Aithne was concerned for your king when I told her the news. I was there. I saw a white wolf running away and then I was tackled by other wolves. I swear I had nothing to do with it. Pine had the unfortunate habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most of the time she had found a way to get back out of the situation. This one had earned her the title of Elite Guard, a position she took most seriously. She was a sworn protector of Iromar. Seeing Cenmatl before her she suddenly felt herself becoming sworn to him, sworn to Taviora as well. I promise, I will never do anything to endanger Taviora. I know Aithne, nor Aster, would want to hurt the relationship with the forest. She hesitated a moment, her breath still caught in her throat as she searched to find the words she never thought she would have to say. I… don’t want to hurt you. Though as she explored the conflict of sensations in her body she feared she already had. She could feel his anxiety and his worry. The intimidation she had caused in him as well as the unnamed fear he seemed to be holding. Are you scared of something? She asked bluntly. If they had both felt the need to meet each other here, maybe it had something to do with the fearful feelings she felt stirring in her body.