-------------------------------------------------------
Word Count: 257
She was sure they would say no. After all, who in their right mind would accept a wolf who even said she had nothing to offer them into a pack? She would be out and wandering on her own again, lost and alone. She couldn’t go back to the Monadnock; they would kill her. She could only aimlessly travel the land.
Vespertio’s words stunned her. His trust in his beta was mighty indeed if he would simply accept her on that basis. He looked to his mate, and the pale girl’s heart leapt into her throat.
Her words not only brought immense relief and disbelief to the girl, but also a strange prickling sensation in the back of her eyes. She bowed her heads to Namid’s kind words. “Thank you.” She said earnestly, not knowing what else she could say. She had no promises to give, no declarations of boundless loyalty. All she could do was give them her best, and hope it was enough.
Kajika had been right; these monarchs were nothing like the ones she had left behind. Here, she had a chance.
Speaking of the man who brought her to this place, he nudged her cheek and congratulated her. She smiled at him. “And thank you.” Because without him, she never would have had the guts to leave the Monadnock. Without him, she never would have made it here.
She swayed blearily on her feet, exhausted and ready to sleep. They were finally done traveling; hopefully, she wouldn’t be on the move again any time soon.
"Speech" Thought