Life had settled into one endless cycle, tending, feeding, interacting. All she saw were her children. Not that she minded in the least. Her husband was nearby most of the time, looking after her needs so she could focus entirely on the pups. Forever grateful for that man, she thought with quiet fondness.

The little ones grew with each passing day, and she couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by how big they had already become. She lavished them with tender licks atop their heads, nuzzling their round, chubby bellies as they slept in a warm pile against her side. She hoped their bond would remain strong, that they would always stay close. Her eyes misted at the thought, and she might have wept if not for the familiar voice calling from the entrance.

Her silver eyes widened, tail thumping joyfully against the ground. Stardust! Darling, come in! You must meet the little ones!

Pride swelled within her chest, bright and unshakable. As much as she wanted to shield her pups from the world, she also longed to show them off, to let others see the beauty she had brought into being. She hoped her dearest friend would share in that pride, would feel it as her own at the sight of these new additions to the pack. Breath caught in her throat, eyes fixed expectantly on the entrance.