Noctisardor Bypass arrival

morwenna felt it the instant the cough tore through her—too deep, too familiar, the telltale rasp that twisted memory and instinct together. her hold tightened, not to trap, but to steady, one arm firm along fa’liya’s ribs, the other cradling her shoulders as if she could brace her lungs by will alone.

easy, she murmured, voice low and certain, meant to anchor. breathe with me.

she tilted her daughter just enough, guiding her posture without fuss, without panic. her muzzle brushed fa’liya’s temple, breath warm against colddamp fur.

your lungs, she said softly, not hiding the truth, never lying to her child. they have always been sensitive. the cold pulls at them. it always will.

her paw came to fa’liya’s chest, flat and steady, letting her feel the rhythm beneath. real. solid.

but i know this, morwenna continued, quieter now, there are steam baths in the stone hollows. warm, mineral. they will loosen what the cold tightens. they will help you breathe.

she drew back just enough to look at her—really look—eyes bright with a fierce, controlled tenderness.

this, she answered gently, when fa’liya asked, is your body remembering that it is allowed to be held.

her brow pressed to her daughter’s, a queen bowing to nothing but love.

and i am here to remember it with you.