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Cedric steps forward. “Thank you for your hospitality, Helen.”

“Well,” Mom says, recovering herself, “I hope you’re all hungry. I’ve made plenty of pancakes.”

“Starving,” Leanna confirms, placing a hand on her swollen belly. “This little one has me eating constantly.”

“I will leave you all to talk.” Cedric looks at Leanna. “I have to discuss something with Erik.”

Leanna nods, and he leaves.

As we move toward the kitchen, I catch Leanna scrutinizing me. “You’re too thin,” she says, her tone shifting to one of concern. “And there are shadows under your eyes.”

My mother flits about, refilling coffee cups and adding to the already massive stack of pancakes. Meanwhile, Leanna watches me with knowing eyes, not missing how I flinch at unexpected noises or how my gaze constantly checks the exits.

“Later,” she murmurs to me when my mother is distracted by Finn’s animated retelling of a hunt he participated in. “We’ll talk later.”

I nod, grateful for her understanding. There’s so much to say, so much to explain. About my captivity, my escape, the lasting trauma that makes me sleep outside rather than in a room with four walls.

But for now, this is enough—the warmth of my kitchen, the familiar voices of people I love, the sweet taste of blueberry pancakes, and the knowledge that I wasn’t forgotten. That even when hope seemed foolish, Leanna kept faith.

I wasn’t just a missing person. I was missed. Searched for. Awaited.

And somehow, against all odds, I found my way home.

Finn’s laugh rings out at something my mother says, and Leanna catches my eye across the table. She smiles, a smile that says I knew you’d come back and I’m here now and You’re not alone anymore, all at once.

For the first time since my escape, I feel the cold knot of fear in my chest begin to loosen, just a little. Maybe, with these people beside me, I can find my way back to myself, too.

After breakfast,Leanna suggests we get some fresh air. I’m grateful for the excuse to escape the cottage, which suddenly feels too small with so many people inside. Mom is happilyentertaining Finn with stories about magical creatures she claims live in her garden, and the boy is utterly captivated.

“Finn, Maya and I are going for a walk,” Leanna announces. “Do you want to come with us?”

He jumps up immediately. “Can I shift?”

Leanna ruffles his hair affectionately. “Sure, but stay within earshot.”

“I will!” he promises, already bounding toward the door.

“I’ll wash the dishes when I come back, Mom,” I tell my mother, who has already picked up her embroidery.

We follow Finn at a more sedate pace than his wolf’s, Leanna’s hand resting protectively on her swollen belly. The autumn morning is crisp and clear, the maple trees ablaze with red and gold. Finn races ahead, darting between the trunks and occasionally stopping to examine something fascinating on the ground before sprinting off again.

“He’s grown so much,” I say, watching him leap over a fallen branch with the natural grace of a wolf child.

“Too fast,” Leanna agrees with a sigh. “He loves it in the North, despite the cold. The castle staff worship him. I try to get him to sit down for his lessons, but with everybody willing to help him escape, it’s next to impossible.”

“What about your private investigator business? Are you still working?”

She laughs, shaking her head. “I have employed a few shifters here. Gave them some training. They’re learning, but I can’t do the field work anymore. And I’m so busy in the North. We’re bringing in some modern changes, and that has me completely occupied.”

“Sounds like a lot of effort.”

She laughs in agreement.

After a few minutes of silence, she glances at me. “So,” she says casually. Too casually. “I met Griffin. I’d seen a portrait ofhim, but meeting him in person...” She lets out a low whistle. “He’s quite something, isn’t he? Handsome. Regal, even. Not as good-looking as my Cedric, but still...”

I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. “I suppose.”

“Although, he does seem a bit aloof. Reserved.”