Red Fern Forest mama loved you, but daddy left you

Shallow water has trapped several fish in a small pond. Hunt Opportunity

How interesting.

Technically, academically speaking, Mathéo knew that leaving Hearthwood River was a possibility - it just never really seemed like a choice he could make. It wasn't one he thought about, not ever. Not when Risaela freely came and went with no regard for rules, not when Inna did what she wanted and fought with Lachesis, not when everyone else arguably forgot he even existed until he accidentally shifted into their view. It made the young boy wonder why he did stay at all.

If they'd noticed if he left. Or died.

"Okay. I'll come look."

It certainly couldn't hurt. And if Hawthorne's alpha didn't mind, he didn't see why not. No one would notice if he came back when it was a little darker. No one would notice if he didn't come back at all.

"Lead the way."

Fade.