Nova Peak If you must work, work to leave some part of you on this earth

Thade had melted through Wylla’s praise and acceptance of him, his tail swishing steadily, as he was (not for the first time) relieved to be reminded that this was what having a real mother felt like. He was glad to know that he had been right about Mother all this time, as she could have never seemed this warm, or as close to him, as this she-wolf did now — a fact made all the more glaring when one realized that he had spent almost as much time in Mother’s company as he had hers. And, despite all her time and efforts, the changeling had always known it wasn’t there that he belonged.

But where exactly did he belong?

He didn’t know he’d have to have an answer right then. Or that his answer would mean separating from one parent. He wasn’t prepared at all for what Wylla sprung on him, and for a moment after his genial wagging had slowed to a stop, he could only stare at her blankly. Wait, what d’you mean your time—? Oh.

His eyes moved first: dragging downward as he considered the gravity of it all, then darting back up to her face as the panic set in. His emerald gaze widened, and the rest of him tensed with a furious possessiveness. No, no, no. She could not leave.

She could not leave.

You can’t leave, he argued, instantly making his very first demand as a wolf that was apparently capable of making his own decisions. Since I’m old enough to decide, then I decide you can’t leave. This, this isn’t right! He rose as his voice did, and stood over her with his head bowed and his gaze harboring a glint of frustrated madness; of mounting desperation. He could tell how serious she was — he knew this wasn’t a game and that he stood to lose her forever, if not his father.

No, he added with finality, barely keeping the quiver out of his pubescent voice. I won’t let you go.