Hera’s grounding had ended merely hours ago and she was out past the borders like a shot. Sure she knew her dad would have wanted to speak with her and give her one final lecture before formally releasing her, but technically she was free now and that was good enough for her. She might get a few words when she got home but it would be well worth it for this moment.

Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and just soaked it in, the sounds of just anything but being at home. Plus the solitude felt like a sweet treat after five weeks of close supervision under her father’s watchful eyes. She normally didn’t like being alone, but right now it was needed. The dark, the way the air almost seemed to static with how deeply cold it was, the way the forest was silent other than the crunch of her paws on the frosted earth beneath her, paws leaving a clear trail in the light snow.

In a few hours she would be back at home where her heart truly lay, but for now this was all she needed and a slow smile spread across her muzzle. She was free again.