Kirain deflated slightly, her ears dipping as she offered Stardust a sad smile.

Not all of us have homes to return to, darling, she said softly. Lestan and I... we’re all we have now. There’s nothing left in our old world.

Her gaze turned distant, voice threading with quiet sorrow.

Before I met Wake, I was completely alone. My birth pack was... taken by illness. And then, Wake led me to Lestan. I don’t want to go back to that empty life, not when we’ve finally found some semblance of peace here.

She looked to her friend, eyes earnest.

What if this world isn’t so bad? What if happiness can be found here?

A pause. Her voice grew gentler.

I suppose I can’t fully understand your point of view. You had a pack, a family. You had something to fight to return to. But the thought of desperately trying to claw my way back to the Teekon Wilds... it just saddens me. That’s no way to live.

She paused again, letting her words settle before continuing.

But— she added with sincerity, I’ll support you, whatever you choose. You’re my friend, and I only want you to be happy.

Kirain turned away for a moment, thoughtful, letting Stardust’s words about imprints linger in the silence.

Is there really something wrong with having so much variety? she murmured. So many different points of view? Maybe... it’s our differences that make this place special.

She fell silent, turning back to study her companion with soft eyes.

Was she being fair? Stardust had been ripped from her world, tossed into the unknown without warning or choice. Of course she had her reasons. The weight of those uncertainties... it must have been overwhelming.

Kirain’s heart ached for her, for the struggle, the loss, the longing. She only wished Stardust could find her peace.

And then, just like that, Stardust’s vibrant energy burst forth again, and Kirain couldn’t help but laugh, a light, airy sound, genuine and free. She would never tire of that spark.

Lestan... my dear, sweet Lestan never saw himself as someone I might choose to spend my life with. He was content just being by my side. So I was the one who confessed. I gave him hope. And I don’t regret a thing.

But then Stardust asked that question.

Kirain gasped audibly, eyes flying wide as she slapped a paw to her mouth in shock.

So blunt!

Her entire face flushed, ears burning, as her mind scrambled for words. Speak, Kirain! Say something!

Uh, um... I...

Her voice faltered. She turned away, flustered beyond reason.

It wasn’t a big deal, was it? It was... natural, right?

W-well... it is only n-natural, she stammered. Her voice cracked slightly as she struggled to rein in the panic.

I th-think we’re just waiting f-for it to... happen...

That last word barely made it out, more breath than sound.

She could die.