Wolf was happy with his giant basket at first.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S3p1fJo74
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68Yb3Zs2zc
He had to stop and rest halfway, setting the overfilled basket down with a grunt.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw2Bj5F6nW
As he caught his breath, he heard a voice he hadn't heard in a long time.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXfBJlF0xs
"Hey, KIDDO!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzioQQfP1E
The exclamation was full of joy.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHP1JTKiwF
Wolf looked up and saw Nina running toward him. She was wearing a slim-fitting shirt and leather pants—practical clothing for work.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlOaym9sqN
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR686o43Z1
Wolf was momentarily stunned. Couldn't respond.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM8QR1Ql4V
Nina didn't seem to notice. She ran up and hugged him without hesitation.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRSxJWikCm
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45RU4y7C6c
When Wolf finally got his bearings, he pushed her away gently.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dH11HkZj4
"I'm not a kid. I'm fourteen!" Wolf protested. "Besides, I'm not younger than you. What are you, thirteen?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpNxvFxg5V
Nina laughed. "You're sweet. But I'm seventeen, kiddo. A little too old for you."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7ubpN2Hbr
Wolf was surprised. She was older than his sister.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pB1fxhWN9
"But you look so young?" he said without thinking.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GohvS2StN
Nina blushed. "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!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN1ckfMg0i
Wolf wasn't sure how he was supposed to take that. So he frowned instead.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH7HDM6JMM
Which made Nina laugh even harder.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr5ubZ5jNN
"So serious! Just like your sister." She tilted her head. "I wonder if she got it from you, or if she rubbed off on you."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv39RA6x1Br
Wolf felt exasperated. "I'm happy to see you too. It's been a while. But... did you need something?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzvxwwYSwN
"Aw, you already want to get rid of me?" Nina pouted.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdymZwoXXk
But she recovered quickly. She sniffed the air and noticed the berries for the first time.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NVm7m3TaL
"Wow! How'd you get so many?!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSHJfuz9bZ
"I know a spot," Wolf said, a bit defeated. "I just need to rest. It's too much for me to carry."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSricBYB2K
"Really?" Nina asked, confused.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pxg5PEJoR
She walked over and tried lifting the basket. Held it easily, like it weighed nothing.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RlXKffkaH
"It's not heavy to me. Want some help?" She looked at the berries curiously. "What's this for anyway?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM35jrC6EOa
Wolf felt frustrated. She was upstaging him so casually—not even trying. He sighed. "Please help me with this."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNsMJKr4JU
Nina gasped. Then jumped up and down a bit in joy.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYmjNbemXH
While still holding the basket.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeo3kdDfIa
"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!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3NY44AMuK
Wolf would've liked to say it was a pleasant trip back.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yLMwDHCUn
But Nina talked the whole time. And walked slowly, clearly trying to enjoy the visit and drag it out.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOSoBYcYhu
He listened with half-interest. But he couldn't complain—even if he'd pushed himself, he knew the distance was too much. She was saving him.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPruKfUG4kn
"Kiddo?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL89qnUAG7Q
Wolf looked over. Nina was still smiling, seemingly indifferent to his lack of interest.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bpba1XvoS
"Sorry," Wolf said, a bit ashamed. "You're helping me, and I'm not really paying attention."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDoB8GdTdh
Nina nodded. "Is it because I'm not talking about magic?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdDLNYg4Ul
Wolf was surprised. She knew about his love of magic? He'd never told her.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuDe5iO1fJ
"How did you know?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhUyIs15HP
Nina laughed, carefree. Even while carrying the basket, she seemed to dance freely as she walked.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7GL5lZZA5
It was a bit enchanting.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xkFxNFu12
And it annoyed Wolf a lot too. Seeing her so strong. He'd always been weak.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbR03D58uj
Nina looked back after enjoying the secret she had about Wolf's desires. But when she saw his face, her smile faded.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCH91mt7JL
He looked defeated.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dDuhm7ljm
Not like a child pouting. But defeated like a man who'd lost something important.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJDuRzJW5R
She felt the joy leave her immediately.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukxIfvaeih
"Is something wrong?" Nina asked gently. "You seem lost. And it's supposed to be a sunny day."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7QDtUM2EX
Wolf looked up, unsure of her meaning.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHqrqpxPfQ
"It means we were having a good day. Not supposed to be down." Her voice grew more concerned. "What caused it?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFPzvWYNTH
She hesitated. "Was... it me?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcDA7BZbdG
For the first time, she showed something other than joy. Her ears dropped. Her happy tail slowed to a stop.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qNAyFQayt
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTCkJA5BIU
"It's nothing," he said.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpjx7WLa1E
"Kiddo, if it was nothing, we'd be happy at your home right now." Nina's voice was gentle. "I assume that's the plan—since this is too much to eat, even sharing with friends."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurb0FRGPuK
Wolf wasn't really trying to hide it anymore. "It was the topic of magic that did it."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36zI4lBQb1
He paused. "Also, how did you know I wanted to make jam?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9KfpKiKIu
He was shocked she knew him so well after only a few random visits.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlW6KNQjlm
Nina laughed with joy. "It's not hard to guess. A giant basket of berries? Pretty obvious."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5CUMfWUF3
Still smiling, she asked: "But why is magic bringing you down?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tZB8dSyRc
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWxKRYRMAr
He finished looking lost once more.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOBiJRf0mw
"Aha." Nina's voice changed. She looked solemn. "Well, you're chasing a dream that's a nightmare for others."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40pDoJdCwB
She paused. "Truthfully, you'll find more joy being free than being bound by magic, little Wolf."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyWaXKicGl
"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?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAvEPMx3jm
Nina didn't answer.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnMKSQruqV
The silence stretched out.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyb3FKDYTx
She sighed.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tJbFXX6tC
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpUpeGFjs3
Before Wolf could ask what she was talking about, Nina started running.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4QaeK06wy
Faster than he thought possible. While carrying the heavy basket.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXo6zvphHp
How is she doing that? Wolf wondered in shock.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzBSZu4LiI
The distance between them grew rapidly. By the time he could think to call after her, she was gone.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzieRxgMKd
Wolf stood there, confused.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIohsAo756
Why was she upset?413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECxvhXhuxg
He'd ignored her earlier, and she'd been happy. But talking about magic had been a trigger somehow.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ367OLP3eDF
How could magic be bad?413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIpt5lYSI7
But he had no information. And didn't know what to do.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCx4Wj4He3
Nina was hurt.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS8u21MAJY
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhfslLQsbH
She hated it.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn6ET9eTkA
She'd thought she had a new start here. A new family.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3Ayk9Q4el
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0vRwbvmxC
But she loved him all the same.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡept3lxCkz2
She made it to the house quickly, her speed carrying her there before she'd even realized.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDCBFG10hW
But she didn't want to enter. Didn't want to face Len or Wolf's parents right now.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnIf7gF9OD
She didn't want to go to the shop either.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDawLzBN7Em
Maybe I can relax at the inn, she thought. Nothing can go wrong there.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYHUWIAfg0
She set off for the tavern.
Teva was still on cloud nine.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcURv8Qxx2C
She wiped down a table, humming to herself. Wolf had finally visited again—and he hadn't forgotten about her!413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaxo1hwCaq
She picked up the dishes from a regular customer. He was the last one. It seemed like there'd be a lull until nighttime.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK5awYgK5E
The customer smiled and nodded at her in thanks.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xslVwHcsU
Teva carried the dishes to the back and found Icarus standing there, staring at some meat. Just... staring.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz2xB0pktc
"That's not how you cook," Teva said cheerfully. "Just staring at meat."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNPSO8gPPe
Icarus grunted but didn't move. His massive arms were folded.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OBHJKyTZp
"Listen, brat. I got a process." His voice was gruff. "Good food isn't just made. It takes thought and time."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hAC5STL0e
"Well, take any longer and that meat's going to spoil," Teva teased.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gp13h5aoT
She went to the sink and used her water magic to wash the dishes. Flowing water cleaned them quickly. This was the part she loved—how freely she could use her magic and actually be useful!413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqGGz8miWS
Even after the dishes were cleaned, Icarus was still staring at that meat.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf2WuBDFEw
"I think I want to add honey to this new recipe."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiFJ3r0UOy
"You always want to add honey," Teva said, rolling her eyes. "I hate that you like sweet meat. Yuck."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUFkXvAHEA
She shivered, remembering the last dish she'd tried. Chicken with honey. Gross!413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmUnCn8cjT
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAqSOgZrzC
That bristled Teva's fur.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2ZD2d8pLF
"Not taking love advice from an old grump," she shot back. "Keep your honey stuff out of my food, thank you."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1poEIkpBey
Her ear twitched suddenly. The sound of the door.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyJmALcIjZ
"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!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaejrHTm4k6
Icarus huffed a small laugh as she left.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmnaRKMR6r
Teva was surprised to see who'd entered.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQdqSuxcfW
An old friend she'd never really reconciled with.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6L0QQugjI
Nina.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42P2EjnDXf
She looked lost. Alone. Her ears were down, and her tail hung unmoving behind her.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxFqIP2Kkq
Nina looked up and saw Teva. Her ears shot up in surprise. Then her face twisted—like she'd swallowed a very bitter pill.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQK6y5i02d
She looked like she was about to leave.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfA7mDFrDc
"Don't go," Teva said quickly. "We were friends once. Maybe... still are?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEXrB3FkWE
She hated how things had ended between them.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfMNuS7yTu
Nina sighed. Shrugged. Then slowly, looking defeated, came over and sat down.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmXWh9Y8tO
"This is a perfect end to a perfectly bad day," she muttered. "So I might as well stay for a drink."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3b75irGmk
Teva couldn't help but giggle.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad2oYENqO5
Which made Nina glare immediately, her ears flattening.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfmA3XTr3q
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt4Dauobuc
She looked away, unsure how to act.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaoNNqVvtO
But when she looked back, she was surprised to see Nina staring at her in shock. Her ears were fully alert now.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsIIy12cLe
"Really?" Nina's voice was small. "Do you mean it?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0feoE0AQj
Teva smirked. "I never lied to you. I just thought we had different paths."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy0F37PpR7
Nina jumped up suddenly. Shocked Teva by grabbing her before she could react.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLxeBb5Lx5
Teva panicked at first. But the warm embrace was something she'd missed from her friend. She returned the hug.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZKvpZ6JOB
"Glad you're back," Nina whispered happily. Her voice was thick with emotion.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwh9Zu300N
Teva felt a pang of guilt. She'd never tried to get close after moving. Never made the effort.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B23O40cvD
In that regard, she was just like Wolf. Never making time for those who cared about her.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExPFa1d2BY
She wanted to explain herself. To apologize properly.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFcqaNWVej
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7NYVsexgD
It was... nice.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv1TTKqTol
Icarus came out from the back, watching the girls catch up.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz2UQGxacy
He thought it would be a good opportunity to try his new recipe on them.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzkdE4d1wb
Nina was more than happy to be a taste-tester. Teva kept saying no!413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr6eUvF3yn
Icarus laughed and did it anyway.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cCkTvqTc9
When the food arrived, Teva had to admit... it wasn't bad. He'd listened to her complaints at least a little.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSHjQjEPsf
It was an odd honey-sour mix. The dish balanced sweet and savory perfectly—a crunchy fried crust on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaul9ZYrWWJ
Teva couldn't help but want more.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeSVY3S5ok
Which she hated, seeing the smug look on Icarus's face.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEl3Fxk3z8
"Well, kids?" Icarus asked, grinning. "How is it?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxZyS2ZgsM
"Amazing!" Nina's tail wagged happily as she devoured it.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8e0GYqsc3
Teva sighed. "You did good, grumpy." She took another bite. "Now I know why your wife married you."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv3xcbSYOF
Icarus laughed with genuine joy. "See! Never doubt a master chef!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZk8ibnHcd
Nina looked shocked and amazed. But Teva just rolled her eyes, used to his antics.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3tyg6117Y
Icarus headed back to the kitchen, leaving them to talk in peace.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMQbMSl775
Even though Nina seemed happy now, Teva was wondering what had brought her here in the first place.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9yNv5oioZ
"You want to talk about it?" Teva leaned on the table, watching her friend carefully.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkBo4bc04T
Nina flinched. Remembering what had soured her mood.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEe6HN9W00
"I got in a fight with Wolf," Nina said quietly.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX213CMDVXw
That surprised Teva. Wolf was always nice.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zb0SBFre6
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16p0GXIi5D
She added that last part quietly. Showing it still hurt.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvHf1FuthL
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn7U06Da04
"What are you talking about?" Nina's voice rose. "He wants it more than anything! He will too!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn9BTwNQtg
Teva sighed.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo24PNDa57
"You know I met Wolf at the church, remember? Well, when I was trying to be his friend, I showed him my magic."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIncE6bxQi
Nina's face showed complete surprise. She went stiff, afraid to speak.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzegLoinxC
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW1h2hoWco
"You can't teach magic," Nina said, a bit deflated.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsFzyx8ukA
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpgC0fCdi1
Nina wasn't sure how she felt. She knew Teva wasn't wrong.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX77F6hbcD
But she was happy hearing Wolf wasn't lost to only wanting magic.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7ETkeb3Jh
And she was happy Teva was still a friend. Maybe more than maybe.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEvMbz2esx
The conversation continued like that. Both learning more about each other. Both finding a bit of peace.
Wolf didn't want to go straight home.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbDC1jBAHA
He was worried Nina might be there. That he'd have to face her. And he had no idea what to say.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtItsnzRhWW
But he also knew his sister would be at the house. He could talk with Len. She always seemed to know things.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PRzcMNLp4
Len was outside folding clothes when he arrived.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXckaZHawy
Though she was facing his direction, she was focused entirely on the laundry. Wolf wasn't sure how to approach her.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQPh8r5k5v
But she seemed to sense his presence.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguTL5NtlNA
She slowly looked toward him. When she saw her little brother, her face lit up with a radiant smile.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj5XEK1JsE
She laughed. "Well, aren't you a sneaky wolf!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKURdznqv1x
She walked over and hugged him.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoAu49Cpq3
Wolf was happy to spend time with his sister. She was getting taller—felt almost like a mother rather than just a sister now.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehPKBnNTdd
"Len?" he asked hesitantly. "Can we go to the lake? It's been a while. And I want to talk somewhere else."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CMyCrMusk
"Hmmm. Okay." She smiled while brushing his hair back gently.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CN0gx4Zkx
Wolf fidgeted away from the touch but didn't protest too much.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk64V6Xefhw
Len took the clothes inside, then set off with him toward the lake.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkakKdHhhsX
The trip to the lake was eerily quiet.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0IsfPQjVH
Not hearing Nina talking was an odd contrast. After the overbearing joy that foxkin had shown, the quiet just felt... off now.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE5z0EXchj
Before they reached the lake, Len broke the silence.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhav6Uj2QB
"So, dear brother." She watched him as they walked. "What was so important you needed me alone?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRouyiwHgm0
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D27UelpSL
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKZv6QtW7B
She looked at him more carefully. "Why bring her up?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvbGb5BJ6U
Wolf sighed. He looked ahead—they were at the lake now.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9pQAo0Iwa
The view was still amazing. The clear water, the trees surrounding it, the air itself gave him peace.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxIiM0jidj
He took a breath and explained his troubles.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVizEyz17yq
"Len, I upset Nina somehow. But I don't know how."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflyJPvWdUI
Wolf's words came quickly. "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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI8yXGPCh2
He paused. "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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoDk2zG3cM
He looked at Len desperately. "Then she got upset and left. Said she'd take the basket home for me. And that was it."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIvvkYPcFB
His voice rose slightly. "I didn't do anything to her! I don't understand what I did wrong."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoHnbW4vUF
Len listened quietly, having mixed feelings.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIeSkaPe30
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QexftWHGV
She looked at her brother. Saw his pain at not knowing what to do.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJb4EEcTbf
"Dear brother," she said, looking out at the lake. "I know why she was upset. And you did nothing wrong—it's just opposing views on magic."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPAuSKGYcG
She paused. "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?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewXlyJv1MQ
Wolf was surprised. Twice, actually.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMed0CnihQ7
First, that magic had started the fight.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MRCk1wsgC
Second, that his sister knew why. And it was a secret.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NY5xgIV1C
He really wanted to know. But...413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vI7dsJ8TJ
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWIoV6vy5e
Len smiled warmly. "And that's why I love you, little brother. You always try to do what's best."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UZnd7d34f
She held him close, proud of his choice.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLG8fz9LAu
Then she pulled back, smiling mischievously. "But there is a secret I can tell you. And it's also about her."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa7UJ6VXVa
Wolf felt conflicted.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4qVtBBeY4
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmGT9ykoZJ
He hated that he felt like he was lying. But she said it was okay.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzOTB5krEK
"Okay, Len. What's the secret?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39hRmA6Pfo
"That I love you, little brother!" Len snuggled him close.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeG3P93gQG
Wolf was not amused. He pulled out of her embrace.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGA36NpFLk
"Don't mock me, Len! I'm not a kid!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02q9vvkXnY
She laughed at that, full of mirth.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8ov8Hu4sG
Wolf felt bad in that moment. Remembering Nina's joy at just seeing him. And how he'd treated her poorly.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWiwegykxz
"So there was no secret?" he asked, defeated.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyXbVqsnRD
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVWtUtJkSH
Wolf felt annoyed that his sister wasn't respecting him. But he swallowed his pride.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbnkBNkpuY
It was true, wasn't it? He was trying hard to stand among the adults. And they kept pushing him down.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn6OlqmQ3S
"Will you please tell me the secret, Len?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDdZxSwRrk
She smiled and nodded. "Nina wanted to be your older sister too."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKy4I7wqwf
"WHAT?!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSD5gE6iX0
Wolf was shocked. Len just nodded calmly.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4mZEOXwXC
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCW3Wr8eE8
"What about her brother?" Wolf asked, confused. "She has Nebo already. Why would she need more family?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ8Pu6qmM4
Len looked sad at those words.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrcDjmMnXo
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U9m18r9In
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosMD7Y1u63
"I don't understand," Wolf admitted.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaEHWdzavS
Len looked thoughtful. "Hmmm. Do you love Dad?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaMBvQsC5a
"Yeah..." Wolf replied, not sure where this was going.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKpAQ8pcd1
"Well, do you want to treat me and Dad the same?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYuKWpvsdv
"No?" He was still unsure. "That's Dad. It's different than you, Len."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyboy3crPg
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3h1fQE5aY
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FY1Qtr7Ld
Wolf felt ashamed.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S0VesyfT3
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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2N8x3uKdt
She'd wanted that same connection.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwzAv1TRoV
"I didn't know," Wolf finally said. His voice sounded defeated.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Op1bzUbR
"It's okay," Len said gently. "It's not the end of the world. People hurt people—it's part of life." She paused. "It's what we do after we hurt them that matters."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu0aLE3TwD
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q5SuoC9Ze
Wolf felt guilty. He'd never thought about balancing his life with others. Only about when others would give him more.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRmTc7Jc94
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvx16qtCAE
Len grabbed Wolf and held him tight against her chest.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwlKkf5358
"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!"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguS6cknaz2
Wolf tried to respond, but he was pressed tight into her chest. Why was she so strong?!413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpMLhIaNSC
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0OpJjlzvQ
Len's face was not amused. "What? I promise!" Wolf was confused.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWU24qVMZ9
"What about Nina?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDInfC7M5C
"Ah, I did forget..." Wolf was flustered. "It's just—nothing's official yet. And she's still mad at me."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUeKaRKVZI
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlUbGIjIB4
"Really?" Wolf asked, surprised. "She talks endlessly to you too?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqFRislRik
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfpastihvi
Wolf frowned. "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?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hzij9BF9B
He was scared to hear bad news.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnoiAbHZMm
"Hmmm." Len spoke carefully. "It happened long ago. Their tribe—she felt... not close to them. Very distant."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspl0X5YFoC
Wolf could sense this was edging toward the secret. He dropped it before Len confessed something Nina had trusted her with.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynVDQHK5jn
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzrlakqxCx
Len smiled warmly at that.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0LScRwqXZ
"That sounds good, brother." She paused. "So, the berries. What was your plan for them?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkLBf2ypjC
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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIKofPdzcr
"Wow, very ambitious," Len said, smiling. "How many jars are you planning to make?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgpSR5cAe6
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0BCNuPXF5
"Oh my!" Len laughed. "No wonder that basket was so heavy for you!" 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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjrBbju38g
"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 it turns out."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfPm2ZwvnG
Len smiled. "Seems like you really planned this out."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5cEBkcc8A
"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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkAxlTekvr
Len's expression softened. "Well, dear brother, let's see how it goes."
413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkQDSxtF0i
and then Add to home screen.