Jeremiah stepped forward, meeting the gaze of the enormous wolf without hesitation. His voice was calm and even.

  “Fenrir, well met. Good to see you again.”

  The massive wolf dipped his great head slightly in return.

  “Yes… Tell me—why have you come?”

  Fenrir’s golden eyes narrowed, piercing through Jeremiah as if trying to see into his very soul. For his part, Jeremiah stood his ground, unflinching, as he recounted their journey: the ruined home, the escape, the boat ride, and the forest of glowing fungi. When he came to the part about Ferris and D’Angelo’s encounter, the mood shifted.

  “I saw Ferris,” Jeremiah said evenly, “encircle the boy—snarl at him, threaten him. He also told me lost pups get eaten.”

  The gathered wolves murmured among themselves. Fenrir’s expression darkened. His massive form leaned forward slightly, eyes now turned toward Ferris.

  “Ferris,”“is this true?”

  “Yes, Alphal” Ferris said. “But…” He opened his mouth, clearly about to continue in protest, but his father snapped:

  “Silence!”

  The young wolf flinched as Fenrir turned back to Jeremiah and D’Angelo.

  “You have my sincerest apologies. My son’s behavior is unworthy of this pack. He still has much to learn.”

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  Jeremiah gave a small nod. “Apology accepted.”

  But Fenrir wasn’t finished. He turned to the crowd, raising his voice.

  “This child came to us in fear, and we met him with threats. That is not who we are. We honor strength, yes, but also kindness. Hospitality.” Fenrir seemed to swell even bigger as he spoke. His gaze and his son’s gaze locked in place for a moment. He bellowed “We do not threaten allies, seeking shelter!”

  A howl of celebration erupted from the wolves. Pups danced between the legs of their elders. Wolves began to bound off into the woods, howling in excitement, as others began gathering food and preparing space.

  Jeremiah sighed, a small smile on his face. He glanced down at D’Angelo, who was still clutching his pant leg with wide eyes.

  “Looks like we’re staying,” Jeremiah said.

  “You’re going to see what a real forest celebration looks like.”

  The night had only just begun

  As the crowd of wolves began to disperse, howls turning to laughter and the bustling preparation for the coming feast, three figures approached Jeremiah and his companions with steady, purposeful strides.

  Fenrir led the way, towering as always, with Ferris just behind him—his tail low but his head still held high. At their side padded a large wolf with silver-gray fur that shimmered in the moonlight. Her build was sleek, her eyes sharp and intelligent. As she neared, she dipped her head respectfully.

  “Well met, Jeremiah,” she said, her voice smooth and warm with familiarity.

  Jeremiah gave a small bow of his head. “Well met, Lupa.”

  Lupa smiled and turned her attention to D’Angelo. She came close enough for him to instinctively step behind Jeremiah, but she paused, her eyes soft.

  “Young one,” she said gently, “on behalf of my son, and our pack, I offer my deepest apologies for your fright. What happened should not have.”

  D’Angelo peeked around Jeremiah’s leg, eyes wide, but nodded.

  Fenrir stepped forward next. His voice rumbled low but steady. “I too offer you my apology, child. You came in peace, and we failed to honor that at first.”

  Finally, Ferris stepped up. His ears were slightly back and his eyes avoided D’Angelo’s. His tone was stiff, reluctant.

  “I… apologize for threatening you.”

  There was a beat of silence. Jeremiah’s brow rose in amusement. Lupa’s tail twitched. D’Angelo looked between the wolves uncertainly before giving a slow, cautious nod.

  Fenrir cleared his throat. “If you’d like, you may explore the den or rest until the festivities begin.” He looked pointedly at his son. “Ferris will show you around.”

  D’Angelo blinked and turned to Jeremiah, his face skeptical. Ferris looked as if he wanted to melt into the dirt.

  Jeremiah gave D’Angelo an encouraging pat on the back.

  “Don’t worry. Ferris’ll be on his best behavior.”

  Ferris’s ears flattened even more, and he huffed quietly.

  Lupa smirked. Fenrir gave a single amused chuff. Jeremiah’s chuckle turned into a full laugh, and soon Lupa and Fenrir joined in, their deep, musical laughter echoing through the trees.

  With an exaggerated sigh, Ferris turned to D’Angelo and muttered, “Come on then, pup. Try not to slow me down.”

  D’Angelo hesitated, then followed, taking one last look back at Jeremiah—who gave him a reassuring nod—before setting off with the young wolf into the heart of the den shadow following clothes behind.