The winged Elemental was shocked by Shadow’s request . . . somebody was interested in Anabel? Her, basically one of the most boring-looking wolves in Dawnshire? A few tendrils of water crept over the two wolves feet as she scrabbled for something to say in reply. “You . . . you have?” she blurted eventually. A flush warmed Anabel’s cheeks as she mulled this over in her brain. She was unsure of how exactly to respond, never having imagined anyone was crushing on her or anything. She hadn’t ever been in a relationship. But she felt a warm flutter of something in her chest, hot and wanting. She nodded, blushing. “I - I will.” She fluttered her wings a bit, orange eyes blinking. She was embarrassed, flustered, surprised; but she did want love for herself. She thought she could come to love Shadow with all her heart, because he was so sweet and loving. She barely knew him, but she knew these things of him. “How long? Have you liked me, I mean?” she wanted to know.

“So draw your knives, ladies, prepare for war. . . .”