Atara was at the lake's shore, her routine still firmly in place. Night had fallen hours ago, the stars seemingly endless above her head. When she'd reached the thawing water's edge she had stopped and tilted her head back, taking it all in. Things always felt different out here, like the world grew and shrank depending on where she stood. Deep within Kingsfall, all was small. With the sky so clear, the wall of redwoods so far behind her, it was inconceivably immense.

Was Dad still out there, still lost amongst all that expansiveness? Or was he still not back because...

Atara gave herself a rough shake, forced aeration fluffing her fur while her attention sharpened. It wasn't like she was going to change her mind, no matter what dark places it wandered to.

She began her vigil, the first howl rising boldly from her throat to flood the sky.

Come home.