Swiftcurrent Creek [m] Cause you channel all your pain

Arric embraced her, and for a moment all the misery of weeks past faded from her. Mae had returned bearing new scars over body and mind, but in many ways she was still the same girl who had left the creek pack not so long ago. She knew she could not stay. Not after all that had happened. But this moment meant more than she could ever say.

I've been - For a heartbeat she was uncertain how to continue. At a place called Hearthwood. They saved my life. Found me all fucked up and nursed me back to health. So I guess I'm repaying a debt now, or whatever. Not that they asked me to. Her nose wrinkled a little. Sometimes I think they're too nice. But - get this - they knew my mom! Or, one of them did. Her name is Reverie. She said she used to live here.

Fuckin' crazy, right? Mae finished a little breathlessly, pulling away with bright eyes to meet Arric's gaze.