It was decided, then. Mariael felt a touch of relief, knowing she had Paradiso to rely on in a time of need. Even if it was his family whose news needed to reach multiple islands, knowing he would readily accept such a task given to him was incredibly promising. If nothing else, this was just another moment Mariael could hold to as evidence he was the perfect fit into her family, and another reason she did not dislike the attention he and Maziel held for one another. Maziel needed someone like Paradiso, thought Mariael, who was devoted to the Bay and to her. The last thing Mariael could have ever dealt with was Maziel finding affection on a different island and being pulled away from her.
Maziel smiled gently as Paradiso’s muzzle rested on her shoulder and instinctually turned her head inward, bushing strands of his hair along his neck, her warm breath pooling over his skin. Contentment was warm in her chest, encouraging a soft smile over her velvet lips even as Paradiso turned to address Mariael again.
Mariael nodded. “Come morning.” She looked briefly at Maziel and then at Paradiso. Her gaze leveled with him. “I trust you.” Those three words meant more coming from Mariael and she was certain Paradiso would understand the meaning – Mariael did not lay her trust in others very easily, especially when it came to the safety of Maziel. She did not entrust the dealings of her herd easily either, but Paradiso was one of them now and she truly believed he would look after both the Bay and Maziel’s best interest alongside informing his brother what had been discovered.
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