Aviva

To say I’m relieved to be home is an understatement. Our group is greeted with enthusiasm, especially after it’s revealed that we snagged enough deer and elk to see us through nearly the entire winter, and a huge banquet is held in celebration.

Notably absent from the dinner is Misty.

Lexa sleeps peacefully in my lap while my gaze drifts across the packhouse.

I sweep past Ryan to a new face in the crowd. Well, not entirely new, but new to the dinner held here every night.

Kyra, wearing a dark green cloak, stands close enough to Cole that I feel a sudden jolt of unease as she reaches...