Wolf was happy with his giant basket at first.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATauOnwXBU
But he overloaded himself when he started filling it. The berries kept piling up—more and more. It was too much. He wasn't able to make it home.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjAsBb87Sd
He had to stop and rest halfway, setting the overfilled basket down with a grunt.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaiZAk1ThH
As he caught his breath, he heard a voice he hadn't heard in a long time.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaHUzsSd3A
"Hey, KIDDO!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCvmtzMyUc
The exclamation was full of joy.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMWKrsUq1f
Wolf looked up and saw Nina running toward him. She was wearing a slim-fitting shirt and leather pants—practical clothing for work.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpBYUuvutu
He'd never thought much of her before. But the way she smiled, so happy to see him, reminded him of his sister. Except this girl was much louder.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLug1VzS17
Wolf was momentarily stunned. Couldn't respond.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTslC9Txhpy
Nina didn't seem to notice. She ran up and hugged him without hesitation.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqswLYpVlMj
Her embrace was warm but a bit smothering. It felt... off. She wasn't family. Still felt like a stranger, despite the time he'd spent with her brother.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCxw8qQihw
When Wolf finally got his bearings and could think clearly, he pushed her away gently and spoke.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ukaY9FJ1z
"I'm not a kid. I'm fourteen!" Wolf protested. "Besides, I'm not younger than you. What are you, thirteen?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPvGsEL4at
Nina laughed. "You're sweet. But I'm seventeen, kiddo. A little too old for you."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2a2tUJgl8
Wolf was surprised. She was older than his sister.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvHmaY74Kv
"But you look so young?" he said without thinking.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR8QK1twQS
Nina blushed at that. "You're a real charmer." Her tail swished playfully. "Now I know why your sister kept me from you. She was afraid I'd take you away and eat you up!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ569gken2fi
Wolf wasn't sure how he was supposed to take that. So he frowned instead of responding.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKri3lNU6y6
Which made Nina laugh even harder.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSwqOpGI6D
"So serious! Just like your sister." She tilted her head sideways, thinking. "I wonder if she got it from you, or if she rubbed off on you."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr47Ar72vd
Wolf felt exasperated. "I'm happy to see you too. It's been a while. But... did you need something?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdafrpc3b4i
"Aw, you already want to get rid of me?" Nina pouted.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6jaLtgV90
But she recovered quickly. She sniffed the air and noticed the berries for the first time.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHC6pJOsGR
"Wow! How'd you get so many?!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB4evo96yI
"I know a spot," Wolf said, a bit defeated. It seemed she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. "I just need to rest. It's too much for me to carry."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKPKGNtppx
"Really?" Nina asked, confused.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIphZGL1CK
She walked over and tried lifting the basket. Held it easily, like it weighed nothing.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUYo6kZQUq
"It's not heavy to me. Want some help?" She looked at the berries curiously. "What's this for anyway?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX9AeyW2U4
Wolf felt frustrated. She was upstaging him so casually—not even trying. He sighed. "Please help me with this."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdepudTlDt
Nina gasped. Then jumped up and down a bit in joy.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkbuk6NM4U
While still holding the basket.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToifZf7rQx
"You're so cute when you're exasperated!" Her tail wagged enthusiastically. "Of course I'll help! I owe your family for always giving me easy work!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q2aJ4KL6z
Wolf would've liked to say it was a pleasant trip back.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoJFkqnUHl
But Nina talked the whole time. And walked slowly, clearly trying to enjoy the visit and drag it out.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrtN1JRkpP
He listened with half-interest. But he couldn't complain—even if he'd pushed himself, he knew the distance with that burden was too much. She was saving him.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLMMhG9LyH
"Kiddo?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6YGk0nA5G
Wolf looked over. Nina was still smiling, seemingly indifferent to his lack of interest in what she'd been saying.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kRexOdEeD
"Sorry," Wolf said, a bit ashamed. "You're helping me, and I'm not really paying attention."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HLhyb8HXA
Nina nodded with understanding. "Is it because I'm not talking about magic?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy3nbMzNZp
Wolf was surprised. She knew about his love of magic? He'd never told her.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5GWW9mEm3
"How did you know?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZATQM3JMdn
Nina laughed, carefree. Even while carrying the basket, she seemed to dance freely as she walked forward.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVJfnipDDp
It was a bit enchanting.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9qW5zztJy
And it annoyed Wolf a lot too. Seeing her so strong. He'd always been weak.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDAe1TPTAm
Nina looked back after enjoying the secret she had about Wolf's desires. But when she saw his face, her smile faded.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5jSNx1sgh
He looked defeated.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0gaCQ0oh6
Not the same as a child pouting or annoyed at not getting his way. But defeated like a man who'd lost something important.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3TCLYEI2C
She felt the joy leave her immediately. Why was a child feeling that way? The last thing they'd talked about was just magic, wasn't it?293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98GnDWA5EK
"Is something wrong?" Nina asked gently. "You seem lost. And it's supposed to be a sunny day."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgAtYsP1o2
Wolf looked up at her, unsure of her meaning.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuKJ8zL7vw
She noticed his confusion and explained. "It means we were having a good day. Not supposed to be down." Her voice grew more concerned. "What caused it? I'm at a loss as to what happened."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlmsrFClRI
She hesitated. "Was... it me?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJCqMENO3F
For the first time, she showed something other than joy. Her ears dropped. Her happy tail slowed to a stop.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E5RamrlBH
Wolf would've relished getting her to quit talking before. But now it was no victory. His sour mood seemed to be spoiling someone else's joy.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kd5wcWDjJ
"It's nothing," he said.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SHcnzvX9g
"Kiddo, if it was nothing, we'd be happy at your home right now. With your sister making jams." Nina's voice was gentle. "I assume that's the plan—since this is too much to eat, even sharing with friends."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQrvIVXUIt
Wolf wasn't really trying to hide it anymore. He confessed. "It was the topic of magic that did it."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5A4nloC4e
He paused, then added: "Also, how did you know I wanted to make jam?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazqGGUFfvF
He was shocked once more that she knew him so well after only a few random talks and visits.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmlcBKbQGD
Nina laughed with joy at that. "It's not hard to guess. A giant basket of berries? Pretty obvious what your goal was."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FAGS7nrUG
Still smiling, she asked: "But why is magic bringing you down?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcQulZyAAO
Wolf sighed. "It's the magic itself. It's my greatest wish and joy." His voice grew frustrated. "But I keep being told you can't pick it. That there's a chance you'll never even have it—if the gods don't agree you're worthy."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnaxGA3hHV
He finished looking lost once more.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkD4DTtcdM
"Aha." Nina's voice changed. She looked solemn. "Well, you're chasing a dream that's a nightmare for others."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcpxhc5gP7
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Truthfully, you'll find more joy being free than being bound by magic, little Wolf."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv2FFGZL4p
"I'm not little," Wolf said, annoyed. "And what's that supposed to mean? I want magic. I want power." His voice grew more insistent. "How is having that a bad thing?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUfoq1Ittg
Nina didn't answer.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtUVC5UZs0
The silence stretched out. Several moments passed.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtcwsNYzdu
She sighed.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQAtF4OnAm
"Perhaps today is a cloudy day after all," she finally said. Her voice sounded distant. "I'll make sure your berries make it home safe."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoCrLhMQ8J
Before Wolf could ask what she was talking about, Nina started running.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3beULAv0z6
Faster than he thought possible. While carrying the heavy basket.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPsn6UDep5
How is she doing that? Wolf wondered in shock.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyweQkhSku
The distance between them grew rapidly. By the time he could think to call after her, she was gone.
Wolf stood there, confused.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOdvVuTCBW
Why was she upset?293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB2ZnCxg1O
He'd ignored her earlier, and she'd been happy. But talking about magic had been a trigger somehow.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8owBMIFjfe
No... that didn't make sense.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoTGjLaOoQ
How could magic be bad? That made no sense at all.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhl9AMUTKG
But he had no information. And didn't know what to do.
Nina was hurt.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4r5Ciy5NS
She'd wanted to get closer to Wolf. To be family. But it seemed like he was going to be just like her tribe—only seeing her magic. Nothing else.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ5S1KyRX0
She hated it.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfnEdzGFUa
She'd thought she had a new start here. A new family.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRaIOx55gI
The basket was all but forgotten in her arms. She was surprised it had been so heavy for Wolf. She guessed he'd never really had to do any hard work, so he was a little frail.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP8bSQQB0g
But she loved him all the same.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW0DXCmzfk
She made it to the house quickly, her speed carrying her there before she'd even realized.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV7WJfnXDb
But she didn't want to enter. Didn't want to face Len or Wolf's parents right now.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DVl7lTPEO
She didn't want to go to the shop either. Didn't want to meet Wolf's dad. Or see Wolf when he eventually made it back.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDdSrvGm4t
Maybe I can relax at the inn, she thought, trying to ease her troubled mind. Nothing can go wrong there.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYK3XTL1gG
She set off for the tavern. A place to find herself again.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3i07sLVOK
****293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0daBZaiUyY
Teva was still on cloud nine.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVjIWfSvPP
She wiped down a table, humming to herself. She was so happy. Wolf had finally visited again—and he hadn't forgotten about her!293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU8QuZ7RtM
She picked up the dishes from a regular customer. He was the last one they had. It seemed like there'd be a lull until nighttime, when things got really busy.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPSi9SnRKI
The customer smiled and nodded at her in thanks.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiMWjF3v2m
Teva carried the dishes to the back and found Icarus standing there, staring at some meat. Just... staring. Debating how to prepare it.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2SyUFFv4d
"That's not how you cook," Teva said cheerfully. "Just staring at meat. You should know that by now."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WBj1uOCfm
Icarus grunted but didn't move. His massive arms were folded. He kept staring at the meat like it owed him money and wasn't going to pay.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcr4HDSdFk
"Listen, brat. I got a process." His voice was gruff. "Good food isn't just made. It takes thought and time."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLr81MZ25g
"Well, take any longer and that meat's going to spoil," Teva teased.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3peMcSzYq
She was used to his methods. She just wanted to poke the bear.
She went to the sink and used her water magic to wash the dishes. Flowing water cleaned them quickly and easily. This was the part of the job she loved—how freely she could use her magic and actually be useful!293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF1eaDjQ8e
Even after the dishes were cleaned, Icarus was still staring at that meat.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFSVJWzNn2
Though he did break the silence eventually.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMVhYUK0lk
"I think I want to add honey to this new recipe. Let them try something new."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhWYKvuV1q
"You always want to add honey," Teva said, rolling her eyes. "I hate that you like sweet meat. Yuck."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhllqrgFzGS
She shivered a bit, remembering the last dish she'd tried for his taste test. Chicken with honey. Gross!293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulkPDYIJux
"My wife loves my honey recipes," Icarus said proudly. "It's why she married me. You'll never get a man if you can't cook good food."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeJr2Jwq4V
That bristled Teva's fur a bit.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0exHTA1RnJ
"Not taking love advice from an old grump," she shot back. "Keep your honey stuff out of my food, thank you."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ5aI4elti
Her ear twitched suddenly. The sound of the door.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnGLR3AJ5I
She couldn't always hear it—but if things were quiet enough, she could catch the sound of it opening or closing.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGorEnMfdT
"We got a customer." Teva headed for the front. "Don't ruin the meat while I'm gone. Though if you just stare at it all day, it might be an improvement to your food!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRGeZA6cY0
Icarus huffed a small laugh as she left to see who'd entered.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZdG9n7xUK
Teva was surprised to see who'd entered.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWGqo8wo9n
An old friend she'd never really reconciled with.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gz2ccNGeC
Nina.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VkbVgu7SX
She looked lost. Alone. Her ears were down, and her tail hung unmoving behind her.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dz7kvV7KL
Nina looked up and saw Teva. Her ears shot up in surprise. Then her face twisted—like she'd swallowed a very bitter pill.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp7v6oidL1
She looked like she was about to leave.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W4I8rLUaH
"Don't go," Teva said quickly. "We were friends once. Maybe... still are?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hfx00bnO7
She hated how things had ended between them. She'd thought Nina was going to be an elder. Not... whatever this was.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWLEMDDyV0
Nina sighed. Shrugged. Then slowly, looking defeated, came over and sat down.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVSBa0oG2z
"This is a perfect end to a perfectly bad day," she muttered. "So I might as well stay for a drink."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAInN1Xjli
Teva couldn't help but giggle.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLIr01iD3D
Which made Nina glare immediately, her ears flattening.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEASlPyiW4
"Sorry! That was rude." Teva's expression softened. "I did miss you, regardless of what you think. I just... didn't know how to tell you."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcBdbyy2pL
She looked away, unsure how to act.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoJ384tymi
But when she looked back, she was surprised to see Nina staring at her in shock. Her ears were fully alert now.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mrrykclsC
"Really?" Nina's voice was small. "Do you mean it?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw45B7oEtqX
Teva smirked at that. "I never lied to you. I just thought we had different paths."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydCYU92ljy
Nina jumped up suddenly. Shocked Teva by grabbing her before she could react.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKz2J2XlFa
Teva panicked at first. But the warm embrace was something she'd missed from her friend. She returned the hug.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceRG8u8ZCC
"Glad you're back," Nina whispered happily. Her voice was thick with emotion.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33CU1BPYN4
Teva felt a pang of guilt. She'd never tried to get close after moving. Never made the effort.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgyuv5BWLa
In that regard, she realized, she was just like Wolf. Never making time for those who cared about her.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTXhzgzZDt
She wanted to explain herself. To apologize properly.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vk6RCuVh3
But Nina didn't give her the chance. Instead, she launched into talking about all her adventures since Teva had left. Everything that had happened.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLwpPBLpD1
It was... nice.
Icarus came out from the back, watching the girls catch up at the table.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJbL63bTnE
He thought it would be a good opportunity to try his new recipe on them.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl5VxpYSjG
Nina was more than happy to be a taste-tester. Teva kept saying no!293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHB09b5xN2
Icarus laughed and did it anyway.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QVYbsV6BQ
When the food arrived, Teva had to admit... it wasn't bad. He'd listened to her complaints at least a little.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFjgHyPxYl
It was an odd honey-sour mix. The dish balanced sweet and savory flavors perfectly—a crunchy fried crust on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nHVabJixJ
Teva couldn't help but want more.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cwKvy2MFL
Which she hated, seeing the smug look on Icarus's face.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Pfcegh1c
"Well, kids?" Icarus asked, grinning. "How is it?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlyiwgfcHs
"Amazing!" Nina's tail wagged happily as she devoured it.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHZuLz22wF
Teva sighed. "You did good, grumpy." She took another bite despite herself. "Now I know why your wife married you."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIhDBtke37
Icarus laughed with genuine joy. "See! Never doubt a master chef when he's trying to work!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZa3WCtb2i
Nina looked shocked and amazed at his boast. But Teva just rolled her eyes, used to his antics by now.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GwJMoRDtu
Icarus headed back to the kitchen, leaving them to talk in peace.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRM7N6gR2z
Even though Nina seemed happy now, Teva was wondering what had brought her here in the first place.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWNybQqK4G
"You want to talk about it?" Teva leaned on the table, watching her friend carefully.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03uYbPKz0G
Nina flinched. Remembering what had soured her mood.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ9fvvxdkX
Teva wasn't trying to ruin the moment. But she did want to help.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJJtYcpCsw
"I got in a fight with Wolf," Nina said quietly.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokzo7xNe2p
That surprised Teva. Wolf was always nice. What could have made them fight?293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fkQ0p3C71
"He only cares about magic," Nina continued, her voice pained. "And once he learns I can do magic, he'll only care about that. He won't like me for me." She looked down. "He'll probably see me differently. Like you did."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPgoDDG6k6
She added that last part quietly. Showing it still hurt.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJoeyRv8GZ
Guess some things didn't change that easily.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3m1bCFypO
"First of all, darlin—I never saw you differently," Teva said firmly. "I thought you were going to be an elder. That you would see me differently." She paused. "And Wolf doesn't care about magic like that."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7soaHLWPf
"What are you talking about?" Nina's voice rose. "He wants it more than anything! He will too!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SRFw3kvPo
Teva sighed, even as Nina got more worked up.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWfvPtnJgB
"You know I met Wolf at the church, remember?" Teva's voice was patient. "Well, when I was trying to be his friend, I showed him my magic."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ETk4aelqx
Nina's face showed complete surprise. She went stiff, afraid to speak.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9bwaK0MBs
Teva laughed at how seriously Nina was taking this. "He's still my friend. And he sees me, not my magic. He never begs me to use it or demands I teach him or anything."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbhtD8UELR
"You can't teach magic," Nina said, a bit deflated.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l2HuoJiPH
Teva rolled her eyes, her tail swishing in annoyance. "That's not the point! The point is—he's a good guy. And he's trying. He's a little naive about life, but he's always trying to learn." She smiled fondly. "It's why I have such fun adventures with him. You can too."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsW0OrTmxc
Nina wasn't sure how she felt. She knew Teva wasn't wrong. This was part of growing up—not always getting what you wanted.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1AmyjAxFR
But she was happy hearing Wolf wasn't lost to only wanting magic.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vuJX4eqTn
And she was happy Teva was still a friend. Maybe more than maybe.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zWKMePv7u
The conversation continued like that. Both learning more about each other. Both finding a bit of peace.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfwgkDSwxm
*****293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPnBhhi07M
Wolf didn't want to go straight home.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx3s2ZHcsr
He was worried Nina might be there. That he'd have to face her. And he had no idea what to say.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P8VZhlJjv
But he also knew his sister would be at the house. He could talk with Len. She always seemed to know things. And she'd been working with Nina for a while now. She should know something about what happened.
Len was outside folding clothes when he arrived.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYTQtsTwG9
Though she was facing his direction, she was focused entirely on the laundry in her hands. Wolf wasn't sure how to approach her.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zoPsAZfJZ
But she seemed to sense his presence as he got closer.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQWrnWSTpF
She slowly looked toward him. When she saw her little brother, her face lit up with a radiant smile. She seemed surprised she hadn't noticed him sooner.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnwUBzMNxH
She laughed. "Well, aren't you a sneaky wolf!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFMsHsjrNy
She walked over and hugged him.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DLZdpS6V7
Wolf was happy to spend time with his sister. She was getting taller—felt almost like a mother rather than just a sister now.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMmKYSM221
Fragmented memories of how things had ended with Nina kept coming back. Had he caused this? He wasn't sure how he'd become the bad guy.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58ILUGFW6t
"Len?" he asked hesitantly. "Can we go to the lake? It's been a while. And I want to talk somewhere else."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yEiLJhL10
"Hmmm. Okay." She smiled while brushing his hair back gently.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd7vkeGoBu
Wolf fidgeted away from the touch but didn't protest too much. He did miss her. And this was her way of showing she cared.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXHEtrnVzV
Len took the clothes inside, then set off with him toward the lake.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2DgPBYJWG
The trip to the lake was eerily quiet.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLdFD8pfdC
Not hearing Nina talking was an odd contrast. Wolf had been getting used to silence—had been happy with it, even. But after the overbearing joy that foxkin had shown, the quiet just felt... off now.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORwGarYJ34
Before they reached the lake, Len broke the silence.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡormlMUoab8
"So, dear brother." She watched him as they walked. "What was so important you needed me alone? Not that I wouldn't make time for you anyway. But you seem happy with your freedom."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLD4gz5uKT
"I was—I mean, I am happy." Wolf knew he was rambling. "With less work. No more endless reading and writing. That makes me happy." He paused. "But I ran into Nina today."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIUkgn6mHS
"Oh." Len sounded surprised. Then thoughtful. "She's been trying to find an excuse to meet you, you know. I wouldn't let her see you until recently. I thought she'd be too much of a distraction when you needed to study."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTqutK4Uuz
She looked at him more carefully. "Why bring her up? Is that what this is about?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3WFrDHwPE
She wasn't sure where this was going.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCWLMq6Hvc
Wolf sighed. He looked ahead—they were at the lake now.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrEyzM7WBK
The view was still amazing. The clear water, the trees surrounding it, even the air itself gave him peace.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC8P5HK6jH
He took a breath and explained his troubles to his loving sister.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KaU6QgHVG
"Len, I upset Nina somehow. But I don't know how."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SotYQCOBO
Wolf's words came quickly, not really knowing what to say or how to feel.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd8fUv9XVC
"She was so happy to see me. Wouldn't stop talking. She even helped me carry a heavy basket of berries." He gestured helplessly. "Everything was fine. It didn't make sense."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6zwdpQZed
He paused, gathering his thoughts. Then started again.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVrzVKi5Sv
"She didn't care when I was being mean. Or when I ignored her. Or barely talked to her." His voice grew more confused. "The last thing I remember... she asked if I wanted to talk about magic. And I said magic meant the most to me."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhUOQTNILI
He looked at Len desperately. "Then she got upset and left. Said she'd take the basket home for me. And that was it."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDTYa7B7au
His voice rose slightly. "I didn't do anything to her! I don't understand what I did wrong."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgx2jIx9xM
Len listened quietly to her brother, having mixed feelings.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiK8q6fdeU
She knew what had caused this. And technically, it was a secret. But she also knew she could trust Wolf. He was young and headstrong, yes. But he'd never intentionally hurt anyone. And he'd never spread a secret.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7uy5MqXoy
She looked at her brother. Saw his pain at not knowing what to do.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8UXfGMNiK
He'd always been told the answers before. Always been guided. This was the first time she believed he'd really hurt someone—and didn't even know it.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQvZpiVnKD
"Dear brother," she said, looking out at the lake they both loved. "I know why she was upset. And you did nothing wrong—it's just opposing views on magic."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5AJkk4FFj
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "I could tell you if you want. But it was a secret she trusted me with." She looked at him directly. "Do you really want to know?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkjF0Hczyo
Wolf was surprised. Twice, actually.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn4ZRFIG5J
First, that magic had started the fight. That he'd hurt Nina without meaning to.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNZ1sT4gIo
Second, that his sister knew why. And it was a secret.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW5DCkoW5y
He really wanted to know. But...293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP5rE6jLZz
"No. Don't tell me, Len." His voice was solemn. Firm. "I wouldn't want you telling my secrets. And I won't tell yours. So it's not fair for you to tell me hers."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlsuPYb69T
Len smiled warmly. "And that's why I love you, little brother. You always try to do what's best."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKCBwe37u5
She held him close, proud of his choice.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGRQso83oi
Then she pulled back, smiling mischievously. "But there is a secret I can tell you. And it's also about her."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5rsSmOW8k
Wolf felt conflicted.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4E1dzXWHU
He didn't get the answer he wanted. And he'd just said he didn't want her telling other people's secrets. But this one would be theirs, apparently.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqvpnrKwN3
He hated that he felt like he was lying—wanting her to tell this secret after refusing the other one. But she said it was okay. And she was saying it was okay to know.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpneQKimJVv
"Okay, Len. What's the secret?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR5RcC2ewW
"That I love you, little brother!" Len snuggled him close with those words.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t5ZqQkEpP
Wolf was not amused. He pulled out of her embrace.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ILa9sAyQ
"Don't mock me, Len! I'm not a kid!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05UXShbzCk
She laughed at that, full of mirth.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyLKDdRuop
Wolf felt bad in that moment. Remembering Nina's joy at just seeing him. And how he'd treated her poorly for just showing him kindness.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx9HscrJ4l
"So there was no secret?" he asked, defeated.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uUdvqMkln
He was about to suggest they just explore before heading home.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBa0Ng7GWm
"There is, brother. And I will tell you." Len's smile softened. "I just wanted to play with you for a bit. I fear you're growing up too fast. Forgetting you're still a child—or at least, not quite the adult you think you are."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ63z9Fgjp
Wolf felt annoyed that his sister wasn't respecting him. But he swallowed his pride.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnQuPPG8oG
It was true, wasn't it? He was trying hard to stand among the adults. And it was also true they kept pushing him down.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf841xPbTa4
"Will you please tell me the secret, Len?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VNooDRdG0
She smiled and nodded. "Nina wanted to be your older sister too."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCByFTWOgGM
"WHAT?!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdk7e8PBVW
Wolf was shocked. Len just nodded calmly.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1AZf0Y84R
"It's true. The whole time she was with me, she asked me stories about you. Ever since she found out you were my brother." Len's voice was gentle. "She was envious of our family. Wanted to be more a part of it."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFoTDrW8mX
"What about her brother?" Wolf asked, confused. "She has Nebo already. Why would she need more family?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ul5ROzGMg
Len looked sad at those words.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26rH1hVZJZ
"Not everyone gets a good family, Wolf. Some people just want to be happy and don't get to be." She paused. "So they do what they have to until they can find that happiness."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHyCbW1dFe
She looked at him seriously. "As for her brother—she loves him, and he's good to her. But it's more of a father thing than a sibling thing."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiBUeGiExl
"I don't understand," Wolf admitted.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X9yG9K2c4
Len looked thoughtful. She tried to explain differently.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ3pyxymEq
"Hmmm. Do you love Dad?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fAZeRThKX
"Yeah..." Wolf replied, not sure where this was going.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikQn2fXH3f
"Well, do you want to treat me and Dad the same?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm9MJw8Mrw
"No?" He was still unsure of her point. "That's Dad. It's different than you, Len."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnHcFmlPU0
She had that sad smile again. "Well, that's how it is for Nina with her brother Nebo. She loves him. But it's like a dad watching over her—not a brother to adventure with, to just have fun with."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRhJxMmfrB
She touched Wolf's shoulder gently. "I'm sure that's why she was so happy to see you. It was the first time she got to be free and act more like a kid having fun."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmkOzznhvv
Wolf felt ashamed at that.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPH7R8ACS9
But when he looked back at the memory now, he saw it differently. Nina really had just been happy to be with him. The way he was happy with his sister.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbju3bdkUA
She'd wanted that same connection.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGw97AhILh
"I didn't know," Wolf finally said. His voice sounded defeated. He'd hurt someone just for wanting to be a friend.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkKoFq3kOP
"It's okay," Len said gently. "It's not the end of the world. People hurt people—it's part of life." She paused, making sure he was listening. "It's what we do after we hurt them that matters."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk5F0AKm3j
She smiled slightly. "Besides, I became Coby's older sister and everything went fine. You can do the same with Nina. We'll just be a bigger family. We'll have to share our time more carefully between everyone."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf2IBSoebz
Wolf felt guilty. He'd never thought about balancing his life with others. Only about when others would give him more.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPwd2tCkHn
He sighed. "Thanks, Len. You always know what to say." He looked at her fondly. "I'm glad you're not my mom. But I love you like one. I would hate to not have you as a sister."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCU3BqH4Ee
Len grabbed Wolf and held him tight against her chest.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGFwv5o0zh
"I'm sure Mom is jealous she doesn't get more of your time," she said firmly. "And that's not fair to her, no matter how much you love me. Remember to appreciate her too!"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCD121TI13
Wolf tried to respond, but he was pressed tight into her chest. Why was she so strong?!293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcJhqEMi1T
After a bit of wrestling to struggle free—his face red—he said with slight annoyance: "Okay! I'll pay more attention to the family. Mom and Dad, not just you." He paused. "And Coby, since he's my brother too."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpgKBx0k9h
Len's face was not amused. "What? I promise!" Wolf was confused.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHDPN433Bq
"What about Nina?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZl6yU8Yl3
"Ah, I did forget..." Wolf was flustered. "It's just—nothing's official yet. And she's still mad at me."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoLjumhlCk
"She's not mad," Len corrected gently. "Hurt, maybe. But not mad." She looked at him seriously. "She wants to spend more time with you. As long as you assure her she's family, she'll calm down. She'll be free-spirited and do other things. I'm sure she was the same way with me."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iJjLCh4Q6
"Really?" Wolf asked, surprised. "She talks endlessly to you too?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7t6h5hiQT
Len laughed. "Yes! Always following me, asking questions, wanting to help with deliveries." Her voice softened. "It was only after she was sure I was happy with her—that I wasn't shooing her away—that she calmed down. That's when she started asking more about you. When she confessed about wanting a stable family. About wanting to be closer to ours."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u7E1ksPm5
Wolf frowned, trying to understand. "What do you mean? I understand her brother had to act like her dad—I get that. But why wouldn't her other family be okay?" His voice dropped. "Did they... die?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYqSVcWtXs
He was scared to hear bad news.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5O4uGk2cL
"Hmmm." Len spoke carefully. "It happened long ago. Their tribe—she felt... not close to them. Very distant."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xk3rwWMzc
Wolf could sense this was edging toward the secret. He dropped it before Len confessed something Nina had trusted her with.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqwScrYeRh
"It's okay, Len." Wolf's voice was determined. "I'll try to spend more time with her. Until she gets bored of me, at least." He smiled slightly. "It'll do me some good anyway. Maybe I'll help her with a delivery. It'll help her and the shop."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN7IQjvgsW
Len smiled warmly at that.293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33OkKmkRDh
"That sounds good, brother." Len smiled. "So, the berries. What was your plan for them?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqRhvptN8
Wolf's face lit up. "Lots and lots of jam! But I wanted to share it with everyone." He started counting on his fingers. "The church, Dad, Mom, Coby and his family, Teva, you, Nina, Nebo, and even the tavern keeper—since he was nice to me. I want to return the favor."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8Gk8UxUCb
"Wow, very ambitious," Len said, smiling. "How many jars are you planning to make?"293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbggYlkzGnY
She thought for a second. "You just named off... around ten people. And the church isn't a person—though I'm sure they'd happily share."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3w1DDVLLN
"I got a lot of berries," Wolf said confidently. "I feel like I can make around twenty jars. Maybe thirty, depending on how I mix them and what ingredients I use."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzEboMzEza
"Oh my!" Len laughed. "No wonder that basket was so heavy for you! That's a lot of berries!" She looked at him with amusement. "But you know that's a lot of work, right? And you've never made jam by yourself before."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIzwKRg7vh
"I know," Wolf admitted. "I was planning to have Mom help. To spend time with her." He added thoughtfully, "And Dad could sell a jar or two to pay for extra ingredients. Plus I'd gift him one. Maybe two, depending on how the whole thing turns out."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji0qOmXX0s
Len smiled, full of mirth. "Seems like you really planned this out."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohD82i39cB
"Not really," Wolf said with a smile. "It just seemed like something that would make a nice memory for everyone. And I wanted to give back a little of what was given to me."293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIFTTiVeHy
Len's expression softened. "Well, dear brother, let's see how it goes."
293Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhQlzhQRME
and then Add to home screen.