Chapter 53: Aurora’s Return

It took longer than I would have liked, but eventually, I set out for Werewolf lands, and my father's cabin beyond. The journey was long, but mostly boring, thank the gods. There were no problems at the border crossings.

I stand now on the crest opposite the property, gazing upon the house from the outside. It's been years since I've been back.

I approach the house cautiously, the memories flooding back with every step I take. The back porch where we all used to sit and watch the sunset. The giant boulder on the north side of the property – I used to climb to the top and pretend I was a princess trapped in a tower, waiting for my hero to come.

As I walk around to the front door, I spot a familiar figure walking up the path.

He stops in tracks when he sees me, both of us stuck dumb by the sight of the other.

I always thought of my father as a mountain of man, and he is robust and powerful, but I see gray at his temples that was not here before, wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

My