Wild Berry Meadow dig that hole, forget the sun

She let her breath out in a shuddering gasp when he greeted her by name; every muscle ached to embrace him, but she held steady. The last time they had been together in this neck of the woods, she had chosen Blackfeather over her brothers. It didn't take a rocket scientist to deduce the tension still between them, cold and thick in the air. Things were different. They always would be, thanks to her.

Maegi watched his gaze shift between herself and Mou and Flicker, and she cast glances back to her traveling companions. He's not an enemy, she said shortly, hoping that was still the case. Then she turned back to Ramsay, ears swiveling in uncertainty as he gave his inquiry.

I'm. . . Alive. Here. She shook her head just slightly, staring at him with amazement. It's been so long, she said softly, uncharacteristically overwhelmed. She felt the sting of hot tears on the edges of her eyelids and closed them tight for a moment, shutting the emotion away. For now.

Are you back? Maegi asked. She dipped her head toward the treeline. Are you back to stay?