The children returned to the mansion and, weary from the day, began to drift toward their respective rooms. Elara, however, wasn't ready to let Noah go. She tugged on his sleeve, keeping him in the hallway.
"Brother, did you really awaken your wolf? I want to see it!"
Noah kept a firm, steadying hold on her hand. "I can communicate with my wolf, Elara, but I'm not ready to shift yet," he explained, his tone patient. He checked her expression, sensing if the earlier tension had faded. "Are you feeling better?"
Elara nodded quietly.
"Good," Noah said, shifting the subject to lighten the mood. "My birthday is in three months. I'll be eight. You should draw me something."
Elara looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "Will you really keep it if I do?"
"I promise," Noah replied.
"Brother Noah! Elara!"
They turned to see George standing in the foyer with his parents, Flora and Zander. Elara's face lit up, and she hurried toward him. "Brother George!"
