Hope

I stand at the wide window of our quarters, staring out over the settlement as twilight bleeds into night. The torches are being lit one by one, soft golden halos against the darkening forest. The air carries the scent of pine, woodsmoke, and wolf.

And beneath it all… power.

The Heart of Atheren is safe with Tirianna, somewhere amongst the flickering, dancing flames. My chest aches with the weight of our last interaction.

She is not okay, my wolf says.

But how do we help her? We know some of the bruises, but the extent of the damage that put them there.

Reassure her that she is not alone....