Ouroboros Spine nalupqisuun

Asivaq couldn't sleep because there was too much on her mind. After putting the children to bed, she recounted the blessings they'd received since returning to Moonglow. There had been love, acceptance, and support. Three fundamental things that'd primarily been lacking in the prior months.

This wasn't to say that Kigipigak had failed in these departments. She knew the time and effort he'd poured into keeping the village safe. She knew he loved her, and she loved him—but something was missing.

Being among the Sunshine People again, Asivaq had found herself with a renewed respect for her upbringing. She had begun to pray more, made offerings for the various altars, and relished in the ways of the Sunshine People. She was determined to compensate for lost time and be in Sedna and Tootega's graces again.

She was at the crossroads of the Sunshine People and Tartok, and while she knew which way she wanted to go, she knew that it would crush her husband. What would it mean for them if she continued to lean further into her faith? She did not know.

What she did know is that she was Asivaq no more—that chapter of her life was closed. She was Ariadne again; she shed her former name like a skin that fits too tight.