Broken Antler Fen kabhi khushi, kabhi gham

If she’d entertained any thoughts of accompanying him, they were quickly dashed by the word “far.” Ani wouldn’t mind going with him but she couldn’t simply leave everyone here in Brecheliant. She would miss her Babadi while he was gone but she could bear it, unlike the thought of being parted from Eljay, Maia and her siblings.

It’s okay, she said quickly, flashing him a quick smile. I would like that: if you brought them here, Ani continued, eyes sparkling as she mused, Then we could all live together, one big, happy family.

She gazed off into the fen, suddenly recollecting that Brecheliant had lived here once, long before she was ever born. Mama Maia had mentioned her sister, Wren. They’d actually founded the pack here, if memory served. Ani wondered if her auntie’s ghost lingered in this place.

We should look around some more, she said, gaze finding her Babadi’s face before she bounded off the log, eager to keep exploring.