He did not want to tell her he was being forced to go live in the Shore. He wasn’t sure why, but he just didn’t want her to know where he was going. What if she told someone when she got to the Prairie? What if it interfered with him having her again at some point in the future?

It was so risky to send her and their daughter out alone, but Peyote had come to a point in his obsession with his prize that he trusted none of his brothers. The only one thus far was Garmr, even having lost Peyote’s freedom, and the Marauder knew if he demanded the Boss keep her safe…

Garmr would do it. Peyote would serve out his sentence in the Shore and Garmr would hold Vervain and Velaris here. But he knew the rowdiness of some of the crowd in the Lagoon that she would need to be around in order for Garmr to keep her safe. How could he trust them not to undo the work he had done to build this wonderful little dream? This thing he didn’t quite understand or have the words for, but had quickly grown obsessed and rabidly possessive of.

Damnit. He was going to have to hurt her. He didn’t want to, but what was he to do? What else could get her to flee with their daughter so fast she made it to safety?

“Don’t…” He sighed.

Don’t make me do this…

A cry echoed out and it was close enough to make Peyote’s eyes widen. Nahawi had come to collect and if Peyote did not reveal himself, the dun had every right to comb the marsh to find him and drag him to the Shore. He couldn’t see Vervain or Velaris. No one could…

“GO!” He shouted this time and somewhat lunged between them, but didn’t intend to actually strike, and he couldn’t stay to keep pushing her like he knew he needed to do. He spun on his haunches and took off down into the waters, splashing off almost as recklessly as he’d come in.

Then, silence. The sounds of the swamplands filled the air again.