Alaria:
Spring came late that year.
The last of the snow had just melted from the rooftops, leaving the air sharp and clean, filled with the scent of rain and pine. The pack house had been rebuilt, stronger, quieter. No more echoes of command or threat, just the soft hum of life beginning again.
From my bed, I could see the mountains through the window. Morning light spilled across the sheets, warm and golden, carrying the sound of laughter from outside, Anastasia’s voice, chasing one of the gamma’s son through the courtyard. For the first time in what felt like years, it was laughter that didn’t sound like a defense.
Liam stood near the cradle, shoulders relaxed, hair a mess from sleepless nights. He looked down at the small bundle in his arms like the world had just given him somethi
