The moon was full that night, wide and glowing like a silver lantern hung high above the treetops. It cast a soft, eerie light over the new territory we had claimed as home. The air smelled like pine needles and new beginnings. Everything was still, waiting.
We stood in the meadow again, just beyond the stream. The same one Darius and I had circled on our first morning. But this time, it wasn't just about us. This night belonged to our daughter.
Erya was bundled in a soft cloth against my chest, her eyes blinking slowly as if the moon itself had lulled her into a dream. Around us, the few wolves who had followed us from Thornridge stood in a circle. Quiet. Watching. Respectful. They understood what this moment meant.
"Are you ready?" Darius asked, his voice a low murmur in my ear.
I nodded. "As I'll ever be."
