Gods, did she ever know what he meant by 'tired'. Having raised two litters over her lifetime, she could almost feel the bags extending out from beneath her eyes again in slow-motion. All of the yelling, the chasing, the get-that-out-of-your-mouth; it was a miracle all eight had survived to adulthood, albeit with varying degrees of psychological harm.

She'd done her best. She and Amaranth both.

The rest was up to Houtu and the rest of the Five.

It gets easier, Valeska said unconvincingly. Her tail had flagged over the course of this thought process, suddenly lending her a bedraggled, war-torn appearance coupled with her blank expression.

It gets so much... easier.

Lying came easier as one aged, she found. Perhaps Houtu would turn a blind eye this once.

Behind? the High Priestess asked, curiosity piqued. Well, as my own мать (Mother) used to say, everything is fixable. Harper may be gone, but I am certain some fresh air and good exercise will help.

She puffed out her chest, ready to rise to the occasion. If there was anything that could oust a shy, sheltered pup, it was a brazen extrovert.

I shall confer with the child!