Kleo sipped her tea, letting its warmth spread and grounding herself in the familiar aroma. It was the scent and taste of home. She wanted a few more quiet moments to relish the calm before the next inevitable storm.

  Jack entered the house and smiled at her. “Glad to see you’re up. I’m going to start packing. Rugr wants to get moving.”

  “Where is Rugr?”

  “The Woogs are showing him around. Chief Harold is making quite a fuss over our four friends. He'll throw another parade if we don’t stop him.”

  Kleo raised a knowing eyebrow. The Woogs’ enthusiasm was both endearing and relentless. She didn’t want to rush them, but they couldn’t spare much time for hospitality. Still, she knew she’d need to make an appearance before they left.

  “Okay. You handle the packing, and I’ll show my face. Plus, I have to check in with Rahna.”

  She stood, kissing Jack on the cheek before heading towards the door.

  She stopped and turned. “You know Bitter isn’t coming with us, right?”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  She could tell he had mixed feelings about leaving their friend behind.

  “Okay,” she said, then stepped outside.

  The mid-morning sun shone brightly, casting a glare across puddles from the previous night’s rain. The path through the village was soft and muddy, clinging to her boots as she made her way toward the river. She didn’t have to look far to find Rugr, Will, Maya, and Rahna. They returned from the river with Chief Harold, Chester, Willard, and Matilda. Matilda beamed as she held Chester’s hand, her joy radiating like the sun overhead. Will and Maya walked arm-in-arm, their conversation punctuated by quiet laughter.

  As the group spotted her, they waved and headed her way. Will’s goofy grin told her exactly what she suspected.

  “So Jack catches fish by singing to them?” Will asked, unable to contain his laughter. Even Rugr let out a soft chuckle, giving Kleo a sly grin.

  Kleo groaned, rolling her eyes. “I really don’t know what I was thinking. It was such a mean prank to play on him.”

  “Mean but legendary,” Chester chimed in, turning to Matilda. “Willard and I saw the whole thing. Funniest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  Matilda giggled. “I still can’t believe you know him so well—Jack. The Jack.”

  Kleo sighed. Jack’s mystique among the Woogs was way overblown, thanks in no small part to her embellishments. But she couldn’t deny the joy it brought them—and the pride Jack took in it.

  She turned to Chief Harold, offering a warm smile. “Sorry about the unexpected visit. We needed to get out of the storm.”

  “Don’t worry, my dear,” the chieftain replied, his eyes twinkling. “When you left, I thought it would be ages before you returned. Your visit is a pleasant surprise for us all.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “We’re happy to be home, even if only for a night,” Kleo said. Her gaze shifted to Rugr, who flashed the hand signal for ready. She turned back to Harold, her tone softening. “We need to leave soon, though. I’m sure you understand.”

  The chieftain’s expression grew serious. “Of course. But before you go, perhaps we could have a discussion with our goblin friend. There’s no trouble—it's just a matter I’d like your perspective on.”

  “Of course. Rugr, can you get everyone else moving while I talk with Harold?”

  Rugr nodded. “Consider it done.”

  When Kleo returned, she found Jack in front of the house, everything ready to go.

  “Rahna will stay in the village for a while. There is an expectation that many goblins will migrate to the south. She’ll direct them and ensure no trouble for the woogs. Also, Chief Harold and the elders have suggested a small trade agreement. More of a trial to see how things go.”

  Jack nodded, his brow furrowing. “That’s… ambitious. I hope it works out.”

  Kleo gave a faint smile. “A friendship, even a tenuous one, is better than isolation. They’ll take it slow. Both sides have more to gain from peace than they realize. Besides, one day, Rahna will be a good ally to have. You never know when we might need a goblin army.”

  They both laughed, but the thought made Jack nervous. He hoped one day, life would be simpler.

  Jack sighed, glancing toward the front door. “Do you think we’ll come back? Like, settle down here someday?”

  She paused, her eyes softening as she considered his words. “Maybe. But there’s a lot to do before then. My path isn’t always clear. Maybe one day I’ll have more freedom to choose.”

  Jack nodded again. He didn’t understand what Kadas Shadoom would mean for Kleo, but he would see it through, always at her side.

  “I know the deep desert isn’t exactly a friendly climate for a wolf his size—but it’s hard to say goodbye.”

  “Bitter will protect the Woogs and the goblins as tribes begin migrating. Chester will appreciate the help with security.”

  Jack swallowed the lump rising in his throat. The thought of saying goodbye to Bitter felt like losing a piece of himself. But he knew it was the right decision for their companion.

  “Jack, Bitter will be happy. We’ll see him again, I promise.

  Pushing the sadness aside, he hefted the bags and carried them to where the others waited.

  Kleo lingered a moment longer, her gaze sweeping over the little house. Every corner held memories of quiet evenings, shared meals, and stolen moments of peace. It felt like leaving a part of herself behind. But the pull of the road—and her mother’s pulse guiding her south—was stronger.

  She closed the door, letting her fingers linger on the frame. With a quiet breath, she turned and joined the group.

  Kleo knelt on the ground, her forehead pressed against Bitter's, her fingers tangled in the thick scruff of his neck, holding him close. Silent tears traced down her cheeks, landing on his snout.

  The wolf had been her friend, guardian, and steady comfort through many trials. His absence would leave an ache she couldn’t ignore, but she knew it wasn’t for the best.

  Jack stood a short distance away, arms crossed, his face set in mock indifference. Kleo knew him too well. His act was a thin shield against the pain of separation. Jack would miss Bitter just as much as she would.

  Kleo stood and wiped her tears, her composure returning as Jack finally stepped forward.

  Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Bitter’s massive neck. The wolf responded with a grand sweep of his tongue across Jack’s face, whining, his sadness evident. Jack laughed, stroking Bitter’s fur. "Take care, big guy. And try not to get more famous than me while we’re gone."

  As Jack helped her mount, she caught his eye. He gave her a reassuring smile that spoke of his unshakable support. She returned it with a nod, excitement bubbling beneath the bittersweet farewell.

  Kleo turned, taking one last look at the village and the friends they were leaving behind. The Woogs, standing together with their quiet strength and indomitable warmth, had become a family she hadn’t known she needed.

  They rode out, the village fading into the distance behind them. Though the journey ahead was daunting, Kleo’s resolve burned bright. She was going to find her mother, and in her heart, she knew the reunion would be worth every step of the long road.