Blackfeather Woods the good, the bad, the crazy

Every step of the journey, Maegi had wondered if going with her brothers was a mistake. Her stomach constantly rumbled, her already disheveled appearance grew worse, and the youthful light behind her eyes had dulled considerably. Every muscle, every instinct, screamed turn back!

But all of those doubts and fears vanished when they entered the woods.

It was a tremendous weight lifted off her shoulders, to be one with the shadows once more, to have that heady smell of decay--more acrid now, with the blood spilled in the war--fill her nostrils. Her chest swelled with emotions she hadn't felt in weeks, and she drew in a half-sobbing breath.

Every child should have the privilege of being able to come home after a long voyage to the unknown; it is the feeling of relief and exhaustion and euphoria all woven together, a tapestry upon which to lay their head.

Her comfort grew further still as the pups tracked a familiar scent, reached a den, and she heard Cicero's voice answer Euron's inquiry. Cicero! Unable to hold back any longer, Maegi stumbled up to the mouth of the den, her small head popping up beside Euron's like an exuberant blooming flower, a grin on her face for the first time in far too many days.

"Cicero," she whispered, slumping slightly against Euron. He was alive, he was safe. They were safe.