Selene was seated by the window as the sun began to paint the sky. She had only managed a few hours of sleep and her mind was buzzing with an undeniable excitement. Today was her first day as a free and fair member of the River Pack, and it all felt like a dream.
A bubble of laughter escaped her lips—not the first, second, or tenth since she'd woken up. She pinched her arm and clicked her tongue at the sharp sting.
"Oh! This is real!" she cried, hugging her arms around herself. "I can't believe it!"
She sighed, leaning back against the window pane. Not so long ago, she didn't even have access to a proper window, and here she was today, sitting by one, staring out at the new day. A deep sense of achievement swelled within her chest.
"Oh, you would be so proud of me," she whispered, speaking to Varon. He was the only one who would truly be happy for her. Ember would only panic, never supporting such a bold step.
