Deepwood Weald only for a moment, and the moment's gone

she put on a strong front, even if she wasn't quite feeling that way inside. he gave her much credit for it. smiling, he gingerly stuck his head into the whelping den, taking in the three babies at her belly.

they're beautiful, aditya murmured, smiling. three healthy children. you're blessed.

he didn't bring up her missing mate. it felt wrong; he probably wouldn't have left her mind, anyway—and he was guilty of the same sin. it would be hypocrisy on his part.

he was trying to cleanse himself of that.

we're here for you, you know, he promised minnow. you and them. they'll grow up strong and healthy.