I would never regret making such claims. You are an integral member of the circle. I love and adore you deeply. You hold so much promise, you just need to let it free. Tilting her nose beneath Stardust’s chin, she gave it a playful nudge upward, a gesture both teasing and encouraging. Kirain truly wanted to see her dear friend thrive, and thrive she would, if Kirain had anything to say about it.

The little dame laughed softly, picturing Stardust running about, corralling pups to streams to wash them clean, only for their father to send them back covered in dirt from his tracking and exploring. I’m eager to see you try to keep them clean. In my birth pack, it wasn’t so difficult. We were surrounded by snow and rarely passed through flora or mud. We stayed relatively clean. But here, in the Rise? There’s mud everywhere! So many plants and creatures… We’ll have quite the pawful with three.

She could easily picture Lestan fretting over their messy children, an affectionate grin curving across her muzzle. But pups were pups, they played, they got dirty, they explored. Kirain could never hold that against them. I’d love to know what it’s like to be tall, just for a day. To look over things with ease, to keep pace with those long strides. I bet it’s wonderful. Still, Stardust was right, there were pros and cons to everything.

When Stardust offered to come by and help more often, Kirain nearly felt like crying. Her mate was dutiful in every way, but Stardust was her closest friend. Having her near to support her through new motherhood meant the world. It’ll be sooner than you think! Soon they’ll be waltzing out of the den, playing in the clearing, pushing boundaries… You’d better hurry. She teased playfully, her tail thumping lightly behind her.

Then, the air shifted. The den grew tense. Her smile vanished, replaced by wide, fearful silver eyes that darted about as though a villain lurked just out of sight. Her breath came shallow, heavy with feigned terror. Stardust… choose him? I didn’t choose him. He’s taken me hostage. I… I’m so scared. He won’t let me leave. He made me have his children… Kirain threw herself into the dramatics with full conviction. Help. Me. The words came as an urgent whisper, tears glinting in her eyes.

She let the silence stretch, her pleading gaze fixed on her friend. Was it cruel to joke like this? Probably. But she couldn’t resist. Take the pups and run. I’ll distract him… get out while you can. Another urgent whisper, more desperate glances.