Lachesis truly did not know if he was making the right decision or if Kisla would even agree with it… He was acting on a whim in hopes that the raven would change (for the better) just as she had promised. He was reluctant, of course, but Bastet knew the consequences if she was to leave again. She would not be welcome here or anywhere near Hearthwood if she decided to leave a second time. The wolves of the north had no patience for wandering paws, unless they belonged to a scout (or XIX).

“Show me — us — that you want to be here, Bastet. Start as the lowest and work your way up. I know you, it won’t take long.” A soft smile rolled onto his lips as the words dripped off his tongue — the first smile since their encounter began. “I just want to make sure you’re here for good,” he added in defence to his choice at placing her at the bottom. She had broken his trust and it was going to the some time for her to earn it back. If she was not planning on staying he did not want her back in Hearthwood; she could play house with another pack if that was the case.

Her voice broke the silence between them once more, frail and laced with sadness. It started to make him regret his decision but he stood by it, even if Kisla wouldn’t. His lips tugged at the ends, gravity doing the work as a frown rolled onto his maw. He was curious as how she would react after discovering that Naia was carrying his children, but now was not the time. He did not want to chase her away before she even got a chance to get used to the idea. 

Lachesis knew that the raven would not refuse his offer. While he wanted to turn his nose at his former flame, the ghost knew that she would be useful to the river wolves. Kisla would not be pleased, but XIX would find a way to smooth things over with the widow. Their numbers were getting uncomfortably low, and with puppies on the way, they would need every capable wolf they could get their paws on. They could not afford to be picky.

A smile rolled onto his pale maw as she accepted his conditions. “Good,” he responded quickly, his tail giving a sharp flick to show he was pleased with her answer. He knew that it would not take long for her to make her way back up the ranks; with her determination, it would only take a few weeks, maybe months. As long as Kisla was also pleased with her progress, Bastet would have a position in Hearthwood. And perhaps then, once the raven proved herself to both Lachesis and Kisla, they could work on mending their broken relationship. XIX did not know if he could trust her. As much as he wanted to, he was still wary. It was going to take a lot of work to gain back his trust, but he knew she was up for the challenge.

He watched her cower in pain with a tense jaw, his chartreuse gaze softening as he studied the bag of bones before him. Without hesitation, he spoke, his words quick as they rolled off his tongue: “Of course, let’s get you back to my den. There will be some food in the caches and I’ll see what I can do about your chest.” Giving her an encouraging nudge with his nose the ghost stepped away, motioning for Bastet to follow him. “You can get some rest after you eat,” he added with a soft smile tugging at his lips, his ears falling back against his skull as he waited for her nausea to blow over before setting off to his infirmary.