Aria's POV
Elona pulled back and held up a small stone. "It looks like a deer."
Viktor examined it with exaggerated seriousness. "You're right."
"It looks nothing like a deer," I said.
"It does!" Elona insisted.
Viktor nodded solemnly, which sent her into another fit of giggles. I smiled as I watched them. I didn't interfere with their friendship. Elona needed people within the pack she could trust, and I was learning not to let fear make every decision for me.
With Viktor handling the administrative side of the pack, the rebuilding accelerated. New housing was nearing completion, the infirmary had reopened, and our defensive perimeter was beginning to take shape.
One evening, I stood on the upper balcony, watching the warriors train below in the fading light.
You are happy, Lydia
