Chapter XLII: But Darling

I raced across the clearing, jumping right over Nolan's head.
"Father!" I squealed, skidding to a halt.
"Mira," he said, smiling. "Where is your sister?"
"A-Ava?" I asked. He nodded.
"Sh-she died," I whispered, hanging my head.
"Father," Thebes said, joining me. "It's... been a while."
"Ah," Father said coldly. "Thebes."
"Darling, come on," Thebes muttered in my ear. "Just tell him to leave. You're wasting your time."
"Oh Thebes, please, butt out," Father snapped. "This is none of your business."
"Father, please." I turned to my brother. "Just stay out of it, Thebes."
"But darling-"
"Stay. Out. Of. It," Father growled.
Thebes rolled his eyes. "Fine."
"Father, what are you doing here?" I asked. "How did you find me?"
"Oh, Mira, it was easy, dear." He laughed humorlessly. "You wouldn't believe how many wolves know who you are. They're so easy to convince, too."
I rolled my eyes. "That's because they don't know that the excuses you feed them are all lies."
"You know, I'm getting the feeling that you want me to leave, dear," Father said airily, taking a few steps in a circle before facing me again.
"Oh?" I asked.
"Yes. You seem... distant," he said, sighing. "Well, I'll be going then."
I scoffed. "Good riddance."
He looked over his shoulder sharply. "What was that?"
"Nothing," I squeaked.
He looked at me knowingly before trotting away.
"So your father's a son of a b-"
"Ember," I hissed, jerking my head towards the pups.
"Right." He licked a paw. "So that was your father."
"Mhmm," I said, nodding. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," Ember said.
"Mama!"
"Yes, Nolan?" I turned.
"Will you play with me and Kai?" He asked.
"Of course, dear."

A/N:
Sorry for the late update, but it's okay cuz no one's reading rn anyway lol.
Have a nice day, life, whatever you wanna call it.
Sincerely,
BlackpeltIsABoss