The years passed like seasons, swift and beautiful and full of change. Each one brought something new, something unexpected, something that made Lena's heart ache with love and wonder.
Aurora grew from a toddler to a child to a young girl, each stage bringing new wonders and new challenges. Her hair darkened to Lena's shade, a deep brown that caught the sunlight and shimmered with hints of gold. Her eyes remained that impossible blend of gold and red, shifting with her mood, bright with intelligence and ancient knowing. And her smile, her smile could light up the entire camp, could chase away shadows, could make even the grimmest wolf relax his guard.
"She is five today." Kael's voice was thick with emotion. They stood at the edge of the central square, watching the birthday preparations
