Northstar Vale But try as I might,

He was no stranger to the horrors of life, yet he struggled to accept that such tragedies could befall those so young. It was not right—not even a little. The child was not his, yet he couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of loss. As Viskani spoke, he gave the boy a gentle lick—a silent wish for him to know love and peace in the world of sleep.

Coming closer, his movements were slow and careful, as if one wrong step might be too much—too overwhelming—and send the one who remained after her brother. Silver eyes roamed over the tiny bundle, watching as she squirmed, her eyes still closed. His ears twitched in time with her soft squeaks, and despite the weight of sorrow lingering over him, a small smile broke through. She was so delicate, so tiny—yet so strong.

Then he noticed it. In her restless movements, one of her back legs twisted in an unnatural way.

His eyes found Viskani’s, confusion in their depths. Her leg…She is okay? His eyebrows raised as he continued. And you, too, are okay?