Neverwinter Forest Now turn off all the stars.

The foreleg braced against the tree began to tremble, then outright shake. Towhee pushed away from it and then sank to the ground, her cries muffled as she buried her face in a pile of leaves and pine needles. She felt several jabs to her forehead and cheeks but she hardly cared, nor did she notice the fall fragrances as she breathed harshly into the litter.

Something softly struck her side and Towhee yelped in surprise, flinging her head upward to apprehend her assailant. It took her swollen eyes a moment to register her youngest son’s identity. He’d grown so much over these past few months but he looked more like Maxim these days, coloration aside.

Sable! she gasped, gathering him in her arms. I’ve missed you, she rasped throatily, pulling back after a moment and noticing the stricken look on his face. Fuck, sorry, I—it’s your older brother, Caracal, she croaked, voice quavering and chest hitching when she said his name.