Ravensblood Forest and out in the woods lighting struck

No Rowan, nor anyone from the old days. Her brow furrowed hard; Maegi had expected the young man to be there for the long haul. Now strangers ruled the woods. . .

Perhaps it was more worry for Rowan. How could she be upset? She had, after all, abandoned her birthplace. She had no claim over the forest, nor did she want one. But it struck a sour note within her, and she remained quiet for a few moments, before turning to the approaching Mou and children.

This is Mou, my mate. I don't know if you remember him, she told Sakhmet, glancing toward her daughter. He was away for much of your early life. And these, she gestured toward the children with a smile, are our children. Sort of. Vesper and Prevost are the darker girls, Peregrine the only boy, and Blueberry is the pale one.

No doubt Sakhmet would notice the size difference between Blueberry and her siblings. She looked at Sakhmet, her smile growing crooked. It's a long story I'll have to tell you, she murmured. A lot to tell you, Sakhmet. And you can tell me anything, too—as long as you want to.

There was a chasm between them; maybe that was what had stymied her embrace. History they had not built together. Memories forged separately. They could bridge the gap, but it would take time.