Redtail Rise to the river—

He relished her closeness before she drew away. It was something Ashlar had always found important with those he held dear, but from Avicus, it always felt more. It felt earned.

A moon, which meant another moon would pass before they were likely to come. His baba had told him it was slightly more than this.

I think it's not one. I can't tell for sure. There was movement and sound, but it was hard to place right now. Maybe with more time he would know. He had so many questions! But she would not know the answers - he could not wait to meet them when they came.

It's what you wanted! I'm glad. He leaned to place his forehead companionably against her shoulder, enjoying her joy as much as she fed from his. This was amazing news! And not for the first time, Ashlar wondered at how different the Rise was already from her father's pack. He couldn't have imagined it.