Chapter 62

Whatif she adopted Sune.

Louisaflinched at even the sound of it, the shocking presumptuousness of it. The utter arrogance, to think she could just waltz in and adopt Killik and Ulfarr's son, but — but —

"I don't mean to say Sune would need to — honour it," she said, too quickly. "Or see me as his mother, or any kind of authority over him. AndI wouldn't at all want him to feel obligated, or coerced, or anything like that! I just" — she had to pull in a breath — "I still have no interest in getting married again, or having another baby, but I still want to protect my land, and I feel I could trust Sune to honour my wishes, and I've still always wanted a —"

Shecringed, shook her head, snapped her mouth shut, far too late. No, no, it wasn't about that, and gods, the way Killik and Ulfarr were both looking at her now, Ulfarr's eyes blank and unseeing, Killik's glittering with something she couldn't at all read. And gods, she was making a mess of this, she sounded like some kind of son-stealing creep, and…

"I mean," she gasped, "we'd still need to talk to lawyers, make sure it could work. But if we can make Sune legally my son, he would also be — my heir. Because under the terms of the treaty, he's just the same as a human now, right? And that way, if anything ever happens to me, or if any more murderous lords show up" — she hauled in another shaky breath — "I'd still protect my sisters, and my property, and the camp, without any need for marriage whatsoever. Right? And maybe Sune would feel more settled that way, too, because he could be sure he always has a place here, with his family. With — our family. All of us."

Ulfarrwas still staring at Louisa, his body utterly still, but Killik's eyes were flashing, not with anger, or judgement. But with — with approval. With appreciation.

Andthen Killik lurched toward her, yanked her close, and laughed. Laughed with bright, genuine joy, the sound carrying through the trees. "You should wish for this?" he breathed, hot into her ear. "Truth, Louisa?"

Hepulled back to look at her, searching her eyes, his nostrils flaring — but Louisa could only beam back toward him, her eyes prickling. "Yes," she said, steady and certain. "Truth, Killik."

Shemeant it, meant it with all her breath, all her soul. AndKillik's smile was smaller now, softer, his claws tickling gentle at her cheek. "Good," he murmured. "We shall go speak to Sune at once. AndRosa, also."

Hetruly had to be pleased, if he wanted to speak to Rosa, and Louisa grinned back at him, and nodded. And then glanced toward Ulfarr, too, wanting to include him in this — but he was still just staring at them. Still with that stunned, distant blankness in his eyes.

Butit wasn't the look he'd worn so often before, with all that uncertainty and loss. No, no, it was just surprise, and delight — and in a lurch of movement, he swept Louisa into his arms, too. Rocking her back and forth, squeezing so hard it hurt.

"I am so honoured," he whispered, "that you would wish to make our son your own, also."

Louisaclutched him back as tightly as she could, her eyes blinking hard. "But only if he even wants it, that is," she said. "Could you talk to him together, and make sure you hear his honest response, and give him time to consider it? And the freedom to refuse, without any constraints whatsoever?"

Hersideways glance at Killik found him nodding, his hand gently gripping at her shoulder. "We shall," he replied. "We have no wish to push him into this, either. We wish him to know how much we care for him, just as he is."

Ulfarr'sbreath exhaled, and he nodded too, while Killik gave a wry roll of his eyes toward Louisa. "And ach, I shall tell Sune this," he said. "I shall keep telling him this, and showing him this, until he is sure of it."

Itsettled more warmth in Louisa's chest, bright and steady and safe, because when Killik made a commitment, he wouldn't waver. He would see it through. He would stay, and keep being a good father to Sune. He would.

Therest of the trip to Louisa's house passed with surprising speed, and it turned out that Sune was impatiently waiting in the lane to greet them, his narrow eyes darting between Killik and Louisa. Or rather, between their necks, which were both bearing fresh sets of teeth-marks.

Did you claim them, Pa? Sune signed at Ulfarr. Are they now yours, for good?

Ulfarrangled a brief, searching glance toward Louisa, because no, she hadn't committed to that mate point yet. But blinking at him, and then at Sune, and then at Killik, there was more steady certainty, circling in her chest. Whatever they decided to call it, she was still committed to them, and to this. She was.

Hernod was brief, but decisive, and Killik gave a satisfied nod back before waving Sune over toward them. "Ach, Wolf did this, son," he said, as he yanked Sune tightly into his arms. "Finally. You shall now never be rid of me."

Sunesqueezed Killik back with surprising intensity, his face buried into his shoulder — and then he lurched to embrace Ulfarr, too. And the look on Ulfarr's face as he held his son was so reverent, so utterly adoring, it ached in Louisa's belly. They belonged together. A family.

Shehad to wipe at her wet eyes with her tattered sleeve, and when she blinked up again, she found — Cecily. Who'd just come from the house with Timo, but now she halted in place, one hand gripping Timo's arm, the other clapping over her mouth.

"YouSkai!" she exclaimed, her voice shrill. "What the hell did you all do?!"

Louisastartled, glancing uncertainly around them — but wait, Cecily was looking at her dress. Her lovely, well-suited Skai dress, which was now torn, stained, and bloody — and thanks to Rikard's trap, one of her beautiful leather boots was ruined, too. And while Ulfarr's trousers might still be salvageable, they were still covered in dirt, while Killik's new trousers were hanging from his hips in thick, muddy, bloody ribbons.

"Ach, just a bit of hunting," Killik told Cecily, with a not-so-nice smile. "Mayhap some playing, also."

Cecilysnorted, and shot an aggrieved glare toward Sune, and then toward Timo beside her. "Honestly, Timo!" she wailed. "Why do I even bother trying to make them presentable?"

Timoseemed in full agreement, regretfully nodding and wrinkling his nose. "Ach, but it could have been worse, Cecy," he said, with a reassuring pat to her shoulder. "I ken they waited until after the Summit to start killing, at least."

Cecilysighed and nodded, and then threw up her hands as she spun toward the house. "We've drawn you a hot bath, sister," she called, over her shoulder. "But those two louts can fend for themselves."

Louisalaughed despite herself, and called a genuine thank-you after her. And then, after a brief glance at Killik and Ulfarr — Ulfarr's arm still heavy around Sune's shoulder — she gestured toward the house, too. "I'll go wash up, then," she said, "and meet you three later?"

Killikmet her eyes, gave a brief nod — which meant he would use the time to talk to Sune, as he'd promised. AndLouisa was still smiling as she headed for the kitchen, the warmth and the hopefulness again bubbling in her chest. No matter what happened, they would face this together. They were a family.

Thekitchen door was latched when she pulled on it, but with a familiar jiggle of one of its rusted nails, she shoved it open. That latch was something else she should mention to Killik, perhaps Argarr could make them a new one, and…

Shehalted halfway through the door, her breath caught, her heartbeat suddenly screaming in her ears. Because someone was quaking and whimpering against the counter in the dim light, and it was — Elise. Elise, dishevelled and trembling all over, while a distraught-looking Joan tried to comfort her, and something — something moved. BeneathElise's skirts. Somethingalive.

Louisa'sknife was in her hand in an instant, her breaths slow and steady, her feet moving silently on the stone floor. Feeling the earth, breathing it in, circling for the attack…

Shewas almost, almost there when Joan caught sight of her, her dark eyes snapped wide — and then Joan yelped, and frantically flailed her hands between them. "Lou!" she gasped. "No! It's not what it looks like! It's just — just —"

Louisa'sheart skipped a beat, her body jolted still, as she stared at Joan's face, and then back at Elise. Who, upon closer inspection, was biting her lip, her cheeks becomingly flushed, her full breasts almost spilling out of her bodice. And her eyes were more dazed than afraid, though they sharpened into horrified alarm as they stared at Louisa, and then snapped down toward the…

Towardthe orc, now shifting out from beneath her skirts. Toward… Halthorr?!

"Ach, greetings, my lady," Halthorr said to Louisa, sounding only slightly breathless as he rose to his feet, and gave a brief bow toward her. "Forgive me, for I did not scent you there. HaveWolf and Killik returned, also?"

Louisamutely nodded — Halthorr had been up Elise'sskirts — and he even gave a swift, hungry lick at his lips as he nodded back. "Ought to go meet them, I ken," he said, too lightly, before flashing a grin at Elise's shocked face. "Mayhap we can finish this later, my lovelies?"

Withthat, he leaned in, and pressed a sweet, chaste kiss to Elise's reddened cheek, even as his other hand gave a greedy grasp to Joan's arse through her trousers. And then he turned and sauntered out the kitchen door, leaving all of them silent and staring after him.

"Um," Joan finally said, into the silence. "Sorry, Lou. Shouldn't have —"

ButLouisa waved it away with a flap of her hand, and suddenly she was beaming at them, smiling so hard it hurt. "He's a lovely orc," she said firmly. "I do hope you enjoy yourselves."

Joanand Elise exchanged a brief, astonished look, Elise's eyes still very wide — but then Joan squared her shoulders, and slid her hand around Elise's waist. "We will," she said, hoarse. "So… you don't mind him staying over, then? With us?"

Louisashook her head, and felt her smile softening. "Of course not," she replied. "This is your home, too. I consider you both" — she drew in a breath — "my sisters. My family. I want you to be happy here, and keep making your lives here with me. And you, Gladys, too."

She'djust caught sight of Gladys hovering outside the opposite door, perhaps avoiding the scene, or monitoring it, or both. And though Gladys' face was flushed, too, she gave them all a prim smile as she strode into the room, smoothing out her skirts. "I knew that one had his eye on you, too," she told Elise, with a sniff. "You two had best make sure he works hard for his dinner."

Elisegave a choked, gasping giggle, while Joan snorted, and rolled her eyes. Looking so suddenly, endearingly Skai that Louisa wanted to hug her, but instead she grinned between them, and stroked contentedly at the knife still in her hand. Her home. Her family.

Shewas still smiling to herself as she headed upstairs, and settled into the hot, luxurious bath that was waiting for her in her bedroom. And it did feel so lovely to clean off all the blood and dirt, and to wash her lingering wounds, too. But most of them had already begun to heal over, and Louisa sent a silent thanks to Skai-kesh for Rurik, and for all Killik and Ulfarr's care, too. Both of them there for her, helping her, when she'd most needed them. As they'd so often done, all this time.

Andyes, even now, that was a faint noise at the window, the sash sliding up. AndLouisa smiled as she stood and stepped out of the bath, and strode over to meet Killik at the window. Not caring if she was naked and dripping wet, or if he was only slightly less bloody than before, and trailing mud on her floor. Because it only mattered that her tall beautiful orc was here, looking her up and down with cool perusal, and then willingly bending down to meet her brief, hungry kiss.

"There you are, handsome," Louisa murmured, against his lips. "How did it all go?"

Shedrew back to study him, her heart pulsing faster in her chest, because what had Sune thought about the adoption idea? What had they decided?

Killikshot a wry grin back toward her, and gave a gentle slap to her bare arse. "Ach, well," he said, with a shrug. "I spoke to Rosa, and she squealed and hopped up and down, and then ran off — which I ken must be Ka-esh for pleasure, ach? As for Sune…"

Helet it hang there between them, and Louisa gripped at his arms, rapidly searched his eyes. "Tell me, Killik," she demanded. "What did he say? Was he willing to consider it?"

Killik'sbrows rose, because damn him, he was dragging this out, taunting her, enjoying this. "Ach, he pondered this," he replied blandly. "And he asked good questions. And then…"

Louisagroaned, clutched tighter at him, gave him an impatient little shake. "Then what," she insisted. "Tell me, you infuriating termite."

Butoh, the way Killik's eyes flashed, the smile wicked on his mouth. "You wish to meet my termites, woman?" he drawled at her. "Wish to have them move in, and start making a mess?"

Louisa'sgroan was loud and disgusted, but Killik only kept grinning as he gripped her hips with strong hands, and walked her backwards to the desk. And then spun her around, bent her down over it, and — she gasped — kicked her legs apart. Exposing her bare crease to the room, to him, to that familiar wonderful hardness, just prodding against her…

"This seems a good place to release my swarm," he purred. "Ready yourself to be overrun, woman."

Louisascoffed, glared back at him — but then he slammed inside, slicing deep in a single staggering stroke. And then again and again and again, already caught in his sharp furious rhythm, while Louisa shouted and scrabbled beneath him. Cursing him, and blessing him, and begging him, while he merrily laughed, and slapped her arse. And then he reached over her toward the desk, and snapped a quill into her hand.

Hedidn't even need to say it, and Louisa quivered beneath his onslaught as she yanked over a sheet of paper, and began to write, with a shaky hand. Addressing the letter to her sweet beloved Wolf, telling him of his lusty powerful pup, bending her over the desk, and mounting her with such vigour and zeal and ease. How she could only whimper and tremble and beg beneath his strength, and plead for more of his gifts and his favour.

You have chosen the realm's fiercest, most generous orc as your mate, she wrote. Not only does he stroke and tease and inflame me, but he has promised to swarm me, and overrun me. To fill me with his abundance, and pour out his blessings upon me —

Shebroke off there, her hand skittering on the page, as Killik yanked her hips tight, and ground deep — and yes, yes, there it was, the hot teeming spurts of his seed, as his hand slipped around her, circling hard and perfect, until her own release sparked and flashed, caressing him, milking him, more, more, more…

UntilI am again thronged with him, she wrote. I am consumed with him, lost with him, found with him. He is the most wondrous gift I have ever known, and I shall always, always cherish him, and the stunning, greathearted Wolf who shares him with me.

Shelet the quill clatter aside, her body sinking down onto the desk. And into the shivery whispering fear that maybe it was still too much, maybe Killik would still laugh, or mock her, or…

Orcarefully slide her hair away from her neck. Settle his sharp teeth to her skin. And then sink them deep, as his low, rumbling moan vibrated into her, weaving into her lifeblood, into her heart.

Afterwardshe kissed the broken skin, cleaned it with surprising care, and it distantly occurred to Louisa that it was on the other side than last time, perhaps making another mark, staking another claim. Adding his scars to the others she carried, but these ones speaking only of pleasure, of safety. She was whole. Skai. Home.

"Sune said he should be most glad of this," Killik finally murmured, close into Louisa's ear. "He said you are a kind and worthy woman, and you have done Wolf and I much good. And" — his voice lowered — "he said he knows if you are part of this, I shall stay. Because you shall demand this of me, whilst Wolf shall give me whatever I please, even if this is leaving him."

Hehuffed a laugh, though it sounded almost sad. "I did not follow how much Sune saw of my plan," he added, quieter. "Or how well he knows me, mayhap. And you ken" — another low, hollow laugh — "he caught himself in that curst trap, ach? Hewished to draw you into this. Hewished to bring you to the mountain, and keep you there. He wished for your help for Wolf, and for us. For all of us."

Louisa'sbreath stilled, her eyes staring unseeing at the desk, because — of course. Of course Sune had done it on purpose. He was such a clever, agile, watchful boy, and of course he wouldn't have trespassed by accident, let alone gotten caught in one of Rikard's fool traps. And even the way he'd pushed her to take him to the mountain, when he'd known Killik and Ulfarr wouldn't be there…

Andthe way he'd done it, even when he'd thought Louisa would try to replace him. When he'd thought she would give Ulfarr a new son. A better son, he'd said.

Louisa'seyes were prickling, and she swallowed hard, drew in a ragged breath. "Gods, he's so much like you, Killik," she whispered. "I hope you thanked him. And told him how clever he is, and how much you love and appreciate him. And how you would never leave him, or replace him, either."

Shecould hear Killik's swallow too, could feel his heavy exhale on her ear. "Ach, I sought to," he replied, low. "I could already hear your shrill harpy voice raging at me, if I did not. Calling me a weasel, or a leech, or a termite."

Louisaelbowed sharply up into his ribs, even as a shaky laugh escaped her mouth. AndKillik gave a gentle nip at her ear, a slap at her hip, before yanking himself out of her, and swiping her letter off the desk.

"Wolf shall enjoy this," he said lightly, as he rolled it up, and gave a smug smile toward his mess now spilling down Louisa's thighs. "And you shall enjoy cleaning my droppings."

Louisagagged and made a face at him, to which he only grinned back, and gave another slap to her hip. "Meet you downstairs," he said. "Wish to hear what Rosa has to say next."

Andwith that astonishing statement still ringing through the air, he spun around and strode toward the window. Not even looking back as he slipped out of it, but Louisa couldn't stop smiling after him, wiping at her damnably wet cheeks. Sune wanted her help. Sune wanted her to stay. Sune wanted her to… adopt him.

Itstill felt too impossible, too surreal, but once Louisa bathed — again — and then dressed and headed downstairs, she found Sune waiting for her on the landing, with Timo and Cecily flanked behind him. And at the sight of Louisa, Sune squared his shoulders, and drew in a breath.

You were kind to say you wished to adopt me, he signed at her. ButI hope you did not feel pushed to this, or bound to this. And you must not feel you need to care for me.

Louisastared at him for a blank, hanging instant, as more wetness stung behind her eyes. "But of course I care for you, Sune," she croaked at him, and she signed along with it, too. "It's been such a pleasure getting to know you, and spending time with you. AndI don't want you to feel obligated to care for me, either, but no matter what" — she wiped at her wet eyes — "it really would be such an honour. To keep getting to spend this time with you."

Sune'sshoulders heavily sagged, his eyes glittering with relief, and beside him, Timo grinned, and clasped his arm. WhileCecily glanced between Sune and Louisa, and then cleared her throat. "And you'll let Sune come around whenever he wants?" she asked. "And keep using your horses?"

Itsounded like a challenge, like some kind of test — but Louisa only nodded, and gave a fond smile toward Sune's face. "Of course," she said, over the catch in her throat. "Whatever he likes. Just no more trespassing on murderous neighbours' property, though, please."

Sunetwitched a small smile at that, while Cecily firmly nodded, and gave him an imperious glare. "Oh, he knows," she said flatly. "Right, Sune?"

Sune'sglance back toward Cecily was both taunting and unrepentant, and soon the three of them were loudly bickering, and clattering down the stairs together. WhileLouisa grinned and followed after them, the warmth again shimmering in her chest. Home. Skai. A son.

Ulfarrwas waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, looking still rumpled, but far less muddy than before. And his eyes lit up at the sight of her, his hand reaching out to clasp hers, bringing it to his mouth. And then he bent his head into her shoulder, into exactly where Killik had just bitten her, and gave a deep inhale against it, followed by a soft, lingering kiss. Knowing exactly what Killik had done upstairs, and… liking it. Wanting it.

"I hope my lusty pup pleased you, Louisa," he said softly, his eyes shining, once he'd drawn away. "Now, Rosa has called us together in your drawing room, should you come?"

Louisanodded, and after an impulsive kiss to his cheek, she accompanied him into the drawing room. Where a flushed-looking Rosa was indeed waiting, together with John-Ka, and Jule and Grimarr and Drafli, and Sune and Timo and Cecily, and Killik.

"Oh, good, we're all here!" Rosa said brightly, as Louisa and Ulfarr walked in. "I know it's been a busy day, but time is of the essence. We heard of your adoption plan, and not only is it brilliant, but" — she beamed at Louisa, and then at Sune — "it might offer us a significant advantage, too. And some excellent property."

Louisawasn't at all following, even when Rosa gave a hopeful, wheedling smile toward her. "Your neighbour's property," she said meaningfully. "Your neighbour. Yourrelative. Who's going to be dead soon. Without an heir."

Without an heir. Louisa's brain was still dragging, struggling to catch up, and she grimaced, shook her head. "I can't inherit Rikard's property, if that's what you're suggesting," she said. "It was difficult enough to gain just this piece of it. Legally, with the entail, it can only go to the closest male relative."

ButRosa was still beaming, and rapidly nodding. "Yes, exactly," she said, with a purposeful glance toward… Sune. "The closest male relative."

Theclosest male relative. Sune. AndLouisa stared at him, at his equally confused eyes, as her heart skipped in her chest. WouldRikard's closest male relative now be… Sune? WouldSune inherit Rikard's property?

"But," she said, breathless. "I haven't even adopted Sune yet! They'll see the dates, and they'll suspect, and —"

Buther heart was still thundering, her eyes pleading on Rosa's face, because gods, yes, she wanted that property. She wanted Sune to have that property. She didn't want another horrid lord waltzing in, breathing down her neck, threatening her kin and her camp…

ButRosa just kept smiling, and whipped a sheaf of papers up off the table. "You're all Skai, Louisa," she said firmly. "Surely you can manage a little forgery? Dating these a month ago, perhaps, and then slipping them into your lawyer's office? Killik told me you visited him a few weeks ago, with some paperwork you wanted him to review?"

Louisastared at the papers, her mouth opening and closing, because — yes. Yes, she had done that, hadn't she? And of course Killik had been spying on her then too, of course he'd known all that, and this couldn't possibly… work. Could it?

"It's certainly worth trying," Jule cut in, with a determined glint in her eyes. "Those lords have used adoption in the past to their own benefit, so why can't we do the same? AndI'll be honest, we'd be very happy to gain access to Rikard's property, and keep it out of those lords' hands. It's a good location, a good defensive position, if we ever needed it."

Besideher, Grimarr nodded, his eyes settling heavy on Louisa's face. "And it shall also be a great gain to us," he said, "to keep building this camp here, and welcoming humans to it, and deepening these bonds between us. With not only these clever Summits, or other events thus — but with this school you are planning, also."

Right. The school. More warmth bubbled in Louisa's belly, and she smiled back, and squeezed Ulfarr's hand. "Of course," she replied. "It's been such a pleasure, and we'd love to do more. To keep offering our kin a place to rest, and heal, and learn and grow, and be safe."

Ulfarr'shand drew hers closer, while Killik stroked up her back, his eyes soft and approving on her face. "Ach," he said, quiet. "Just thus."

Louisafervently nodded, her eyes prickling, and soon she was seated across from Rosa at the nearest table, reading contracts and signing papers, while Killik peered over her shoulder. Watching as Louisa swore to care for Sune, to treat him as her own, to appoint him as her lawful son and heir.

Shecouldn't help a reflexive sniff as Sune signed the papers too, and then flashed her a careful, stunning smile. And once it was all settled, Killik gave an approving pat to Louisa's cheek, and snatched the envelope into his hand.

"I shall take this to your lawyer myself, and place it with your file," he said. "And then we shall meet back at the camp, and have a grand Skai revel in honour of all these gains, ach?"

A grand Skai revel. It still didn't feel real, but beside LouisaUlfarr smiled and nodded, and signed his thanks toward Killik. WhileRosa nodded too, beaming back and forth between them. "It's been a very productive project," she said, with satisfaction. "Thank you for letting me be part of it."

Butnow Louisa's eyes were prickling again, and she shook her head. "No, thank you, Rosa," she replied, her voice hitching. "You didn't need to do any of this, and you've just been so, so generous. It was so good of you, and it's meant so much to us. All of us. Thank you."

Rosadismissed it with a careless flap of her hand, though her eyes looked bright, too. "It's truly my pleasure, sister," she said. "Back when we first met, you were so kind to me, and helped me so much, when I needed it most. You didn't blame me, or judge me, or ask for anything in return, and I just" — she lurched toward Louisa, squeezed her tight — "I just wanted to return the favour. Thank you, sister."

Ohgods, now Louisa was full-on weeping, the water streaking down her face, and she squeezed Rosa back, and gulped into her shoulder. "I hope you'll keep coming by," she said, between sniffles. "I've really loved working with you."

Rosawas sniffling too, but when she backed away she was beaming again, and giving a decisive nod. "Of course," she said. "We also need to keep protecting you from Filak, don't we? And besides" — she drew herself taller — "you'll need help setting up your new school! We ought to establish a new committee at once, don't you think? How about the Wolf-CampWilderness and WellnessEducationalColloquium?"

Killikbarked a loud, exasperated groan, as Louisa and Ulfarr exchanged an uneasy glance — but then Rosa merrily laughed, and swatted Killik's arm with her papers. "It really is too easy," she said cheerfully. "But whatever you decide to call it, I'm your secretary. I'll send you word of the first meeting."

Withthat, she spun and flounced off with John-Ka toward the door. LeavingKillik to stare after them with mingled disbelief and outrage, and maybe — maybe — just a twinge of amusement, too. But just to be sure, Louisa yanked out her knife, and pointed it toward his chest. "Youwill be nice to her, Killik," she said flatly. "And you will be grateful."

Killikscowled and spluttered, whipping out his own dagger to point back at her. "I shall not be grateful for a title such as this!" he shot back. "You ken any Skai alive shall wish to be part of a Wolf-CampWilderness and WellnessEducationalColloquium?"

Louisascoffed back at him, while Ulfarr gave a low, rolling chuckle, and then hauled them both into his arms. Not even seeming to notice their blades both scraping into his chest, but instead kissing both their foreheads, and then squeezing them even tighter against him.

"Ach, my fierce pups," he murmured, so husky, so fond. "Skai-kesh has so greatly blessed me, with you."

Andblinking at Killik, at his own flushed, squashed face, Louisa could only nod, and smile, and breathe in deep. Breathe in Killik, and Ulfarr, and the truth of Skai-kesh's blessing upon them. Teeming and thronging with so much life, and so much hope.

Shewas Skai, and she was home.