YOU'RE ONLY AS SICK AS YOUR SECRETS
Perhaps it's because Aela has spent such an extensive time in the progeny of Carnage that she knows who the little boy is immediately.
(As a girl, she had once thought that she was the daughter of the Dark God. So many had marveled at her beauty, commented on her ability to wield her powers, that Aela thought what else could she be but a demigod? But it had been Heartfire who told her otherwise - that her sire was just a mortal, that Carnage's offspring was legion.)
There are no stars on him, like Skandar. There is no unending well of egotism like Narcissus. Even her most recent acquaintance - fiery Erupt - boasted destructive magic like his notorious sire. This little spotted youth who keeps away from the other foals who frolic and toss their heads to the wind is not a child of the Dark God. Aela can see that plainly enough.
But it doesn't mean he is beneath her notice.
The spark smoldering beneath his small hoof ignites her interest. The emotions of the other foals are apparent; she can sense that they don't like this boy, whoever (or whatever) he is. Something sparks in Aela at that. She can remember being young. The palomino hadn't been able to speak and there had been those who liked to imply that since she couldn't talk, perhaps she couldn't hear. A few had implied that perhaps she was deaf and mute and therefore dumb.
(As she's gotten older, it has brought her particular joy to show those old acquaintances that she can now speak. She rather enjoys overwhelming them with the memories that had crippled her as a youth and if that doesn't sate her revenge, her new ability should prove useful.)
Aela has stolen for the Pampas and its Prince. She has even tried her hoof at recruiting. This - coming to the Adoption Den - is a new tactic for the striped woman. (And part of her wonders what Obscene would make of her here, what face he might make if she returned to the Pampas with a colt at her heels.)
"Why'd you put it out?" Aela asks, as she approaches the spotted boy with her blazed head dipped low enough that he can catch her brilliant eyes.
@Fyr