Frostfang welcomed them with its familiar warmth as night fell. Fires burned in the bailey. Families gathered for evening meals. Children practiced near the training yard under watchful eyes. The market had closed but late traders still shared news by torchlight.
Lila moved among her people immediately, sharing what they could safely know and listening to their concerns. A young mother asked about the eastern families. An elder offered quiet wisdom from old stories. Each conversation strengthened the bond between them.
Elara met her in the healing halls, exhaustion clear in her eyes but determination stronger. "The prisoners are holding. The human part fights hard. With more time and the right herbs, we might save some. But the source needs to be destroyed. The corruption won't stop until it is."
Lila squeezed her sister's shoulder. "We found it today. We end this soon. Rest. You've carried enough today."
