curled into the crisp air, carrying the scents of roasted maize and spices. Children's laughter echoed be

s loose, dancing around her shoulders in the breeze, and for the first time in what

head toward the warmth of the s

la

anding a few paces away, arms cross

alive toda

lighter," s

s usually sharp features. "Good. Y

yebrow. "And what

ith quiet mischief. "

with birdsong and the rustle of leaves. Sunlight broke through th

fallen leaves, and the air smelled of earth and growing things. Several Pack members

a large rock, her silver hair tied ba

ed, "you're finally ready to st

e found herself smili

apping her hands once. "To

ted with

her through each inhale, each exhale, teaching her to match the

yes," he murm

ll of a dove, the flutter of wings, the distant rush of

is voice low. "It's alive. You

ady breath of the forest. Her scar warmed, pulsing in t

ed brighter, clearer, as if she could s

a moment, they simply stoo

ame mo

cise motions of their training. It was not just fighting; it was

limbs uncoordinated, earning gentle la

ees, Elara!"

center!" a

h the earth, not against it. She caught Kael watching her, his

tripping, the Pack cheered, clapping and whoopin

ine, bright sound that felt stran

a nod of approval, but instead

n," h

and playful jabs breaking the intensity of the drills. They took breaks unde

e, every gentle scolding from Nana Isha when so

no shyly approached her, holding o

he mumbled,

the figure carefully

e breaking through. "Pa

her throat, ruffling his hai

ng the tiny wolf, its features rough but full of lif

quiet stream at the edge of the clearing. They knelt by th

ipple around the stones, the reflect

re so much?" s

, brow furrowing.

gaze. "Why do you care if I lear

oment, turning a small

Gave me a home, a purpose. They gave me a family." He paused, looking at her with eyes t

g back tears. "I don't k

his voice gentle but certai

stars appearing like pinpricks of light. Fires were lit, and the scent o

. Tano sat beside her, showing her how to peel roasted plantains without burning h

ara felt warmth spreading through her, a quiet,

as real. When she smil

re, surrounded by the Pack, she fel

stories under the stars. Nana Isha spoke of the moon's blessing, of the ancien

eart, grounding her, reminding her that she

shoulder brushing against

e smiled, a quiet, privat

, since the world turned upside down, Elara allowed herself to

the scent of herbs and woodsmoke comforting around her

owls of the Pack in the forest, the sound no lo

softly, not with pain, but with warmth, reminding her that s