Swiftcurrent Creek [m] Cause you channel all your pain

Mae leaned into Arric's embrace, picturing briefly a different life for herself. One in which he had been her father, and maybe she would have had a mother, too. Just for a moment. The thought made her so achingly sad that she had to let it go.

I love you too, Her voice was quiet, thick with emotion. She'd never been expressive about her love, hardly ever spoke it to anyone, but for Arric she would make an exception. Only him. I always will, wherever I go. Even if she could never come home. He would always be in her heart — and to her, the closest thing to a true father she would ever have.