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"You know the rules," he said, pointing at him. "Not alone with her. "

Talis deflated slightly but nodded, used to the answer by now. Seren wanted to protest-Rheon never explained why - but she already knew the response she'd get.

You know the rules, Seren.

Seren sat stiffly on the edge of her mother's bed; the old phone pressed to her ear. Her mother sat beside her, silent but watchful, as the call connected.

A deep, familiar voice answered first. "Seren," Draken's voice rumbled, warm and steady. "Good to hear from you, little one."

"Hello, Highclaw Draken," Seren said formally.

A dramatic sigh came from the other end. "Again, with the full name. Astrid, she's doing it again."

Astrid's lighter voice cut in, laced with amusement. "Seren, sweetheart, how many times do we have to tell you? Mom and Dad. Say it with me."

Seren flushed, glancing at her mother, who was smirking. She muttered, "Aaah..."

Astrid huffed. "You're ours already in every way that matters."

Draken chuckled. "We'll wear you down, pup. Eventually, you'll slip up and call us Mom and Dad without thinking. And when you do, I will gloat."

Seren rolled her eyes. "We'll see about that."

"That's our girl," Astrid said warmly.

Seren felt some of the stiffness in her shoulders ease. These calls were becoming familiar, something she looked forward to, even if she didn't always admit it. Draken and Astrid were kind, open, and eager to welcome her, even when she held herself back.

Still, the thought nagged at her, sharp and unrelenting.

She hesitated before asking, "How's Hagan?"

There was a brief pause.

Draken exhaled. "Busy."

Astrid was gentler. "You'll meet him soon, love. He's-" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Not the best at this sort of thing. But he's a good boy, Seren. I promise."

Seren swallowed.

Draken cleared his throat. "Tell us-has Rheon run you ragged with training yet?"

Seren snorted, grateful for the change in topic. "He's unbearable. I think he actually enjoys watching me suffer."

Draken laughed. "That's how you know he cares."

Astrid scoffed. "Or he's just onery."

Seren smiled despite herself. Whatever lay ahead, at least she wouldn't be completely alone.

"Now, one more time before we go," Draken said, voice teasing. "What are you going to call us next time?"

Seren rolled her eyes but didn't hang up before muttering, "Mom. Dad. "

And then the day came two days before her twelfth birthday. She was leaving for Hagan's tribe.

Her mother wept, pressing a small packet of her favourite sweets into her hands. Seren clutched them, comforted by the familiar scent. Then her mother whispered, voice thick with emotion, "I've put a phone in your bag. Call me when no one can see you."

That made Seren feel better. At least she wouldn't be completely alone. Her beloved camera was in her backpack.