While Freya’s first litter was only a few months older than her newest additions, she still felt better equipped to deal with the unplanned antics of young pups. While Viola hadn’t been all that extroverted, Bella had helped shape the mother into one that could think a bit more on her feet in the moment.

When Cataleya decided to roam off into the night, the healer nudged her still-slumbering pups closer to one another before going in pursuit of the young girl. Was she simply exploring her new home? Was she eager to learn the lay of Mistveil? Or was she potentially looking for her real family? There was no denying how greatly Freya would be relieved should they find her missing family, but there was also an evident sadness that lingered at the thought… How selfish of her. How could she justify her own heartache when it meant keeping a family apart?

Cataleya, Freya called softly into the darkness, her expression warm and gentle. A small wag of her tail added to her maternal posture—it was almost funny how naturally it came to her. Freya had wanted to be a mother for all of her life; the joy of children and the comfort only a mother could give were always driving factors.