Nightfall’s thaw came in fits and starts.
One day the paths were almost clear, the next a surprise storm dumped fresh snow, erasing footprints and patience in equal measure. Wolves adapted — swapping boots for paws, then back again, cursing and laughing and occasionally falling on their asses.
Through it all, Aria’s days filled in with a rhythm that would have felt impossible to her a few months ago.
Lessons with pups. Patrols. Stakeouts. Strategy sessions where Rowan asked for her opinion and actually listened. Ordinary chores that, for the first time, didn’t feel like consolation prizes.
The bond tugged south less and less. When it did, it felt more like an echo than an order.
Which meant there was finally room for a different question:
What do you want, now that “not him” isn’t th
