Aubrey had grown so much in the time that she and Meradith had been away. The difference seemed even more striking than in Firethorn, since Valentine had seen her every day and the change had occurred much more gradually in his mind. But now... All of a sudden Aubrey was a grown woman, and it occurred to him that so was her sister.

Firethorn grinned as she pressed against her mother, relishing the touch of her muzzle nestling gently into her hair. It was not often that she felt strongly affected by any emotion, but Firethorn felt genuinely relieved to see her dam and her twin once again.

“I missed you too,” she mumbled quietly against her mother’s skin before she turned her attention to Aubrey.

“So do you,” she replied, her tone growing more playful at her sister’s words. “But not as much as me of course!”

Valentine smiled warmly as Aubrey brushed up against him, and he leant his head against her as she traced her nose along his skin.

“I missed you too, sweetheart,” he concurred quietly, though he was distracted from doting on her as Meradith began to speak.

His dark gaze slid over to her but he remained quiet. He was prepared to hear whatever she had to say – he owed her that much, at least. But before Meradith could get more than a few words out, Aubrey took over. She seemed so eager to protect her mother, though Valentine was pleased to note that Meradith did not shy away from the blame.

He was quiet for a moment as he considered how best to respond to this information. With a soft sigh, he placed his irritation to one side.

“You should have told me where you were going,” he began, his tone blunt but calm. It softened a little as he continued, however. “But I’m glad you’re back... both of you.”

Firethorn’s gaze flickered between her father and her mother and sister, a smile splitting her lips. She was glad that Valentine had decided not to be unreasonable – the last thing she wanted was to have to try and mend the tension in their family unit by herself.

VALENTINE
you bleed just to know you’re alive