[ Beneath the overwhelming joy bubbling in her chest, Sharon feels an almost teenage nervousness as they approach the burrows. The reality of the moment finally settles in, making her grip Rose’s hand a little tighter. Butterflies flutter behind her ribs, and she has to fight the sudden sting of tears threatening to well up again. She’s never had this chance before—to introduce her mom to someone so important, to share this part of her life. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

At Rose’s question, Sharon nods quickly. ] Mmhm, he’s awake [ she replies, her voice soft but sure. ] He can’t be out in the sun without his wings to protect him, but inside, he’s fine.

[ She can’t help but appreciate Rose’s consideration, even amid the whirlwind of their reunion. It’s a lot to process—her daughter, once eighteen, now twenty, with a vampire fiancé. And then there’s the whole matter of being swept away by a fox into a world that feels ripped straight out of a Disney film. Sharon’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary, but she knows Rose’s hasn’t exactly been normal since Silent Hill either.

As the path to the burrow comes into view, its dome covered in the lush green grass of late summer, Sharon takes a steadying breath. Inhale. Exhale. The butterflies don’t disappear, but they settle just enough. She glances at Rose, a small, nervous smile tugging at her lips. ] Ready to meet him? [ she asks, voice tinged with a mix of excitement and vulnerability. ] He’s waiting for us.