Blackfeather Woods When will all the pain end.

The howl disturbed her from a light slumber out in the open, barely sleeping, dreaming only of bad things. Maegi woke, rose and stretched, every bone aching, every muscle sore. The voice was comforting and familiar and she heeded the call with some haste, hoping to see Moonshadow with her daughter at her side. Alas. . .

You didn't find Moonshine? Maegi asked, the grief welling up all-too easily in her throat. She swallowed, face more drawn than it ever had been as she motioned toward the edge of the forest. Come on. . .we're not staying here under the trees. We're out in the meadow.

Once her friend was on the same page, she'd move forward, loath to receive another negative progress report from the Cryptid, and even more reluctant to share the news of her son's demise.