If Serach had known what repercussions his words would have, he might have said them with more care. He would not have been so cavalier to offer up Spieden's ascendence to leadership as an open invitation to challenge her, and he might dissuaded Aponi from considering the idea until the spring. But he did not know - could not know - and so he didn't. Instead, the man was already thinking ahead to the future and what that could mean for them. The opportunity for a family had always been out of reach, and frankly out of mind, for the Donata but that didn't have to be the case now. If Triell remained content to allow his nephew to lead, then what was stopping him? A primal part of his brain was waking up as he considered the possibilities, but he set those thoughts aside as Aponi taunted him.
Jaws parted wide in a wolfish smile, he barked after her before throwing his body into motion to give chase. She was a quick one, but Serach was as determined as she was fast and he knew these woods better than anyone. He would wear her down eventually, and until then, he was more than happy to chase the black and silver woman wherever she would lead.
{Fade}