The cold wind bit through Adele's cloak as she stood at the edge of Thornridge.
Snow swirled around her, catching the last fading light of day.
Behind her, the village lay quiet—blanketed in winter's hush, safe for now.
She clutched Rowan's hand tightly.
“You'll be alright here," she whispered. “With Maela and the others."
Rowan looked up, eyes wide.
“Will you come back?"
Adele knelt, brushing a stray curl from his forehead.
“I have to find peace first. For you. For me."
He nodded slowly, gripping her fingers.
---
##A Distant Howl
From the trees, a lone wolf's howl echoed.
Adele's wolfblood stirred, warmth pulsing beneath frost.
She stood, facing the dark forest.
“Come home, little wolf," she murmured.
Rowan squeezed her hand.
“We'll be waiting."
---
##Midnight Return
R
