It was the month of May, when flowers stood proudly in full bloom and the air itself seemed to hum with life. Hevenfort Palace bustled with activity as servants hurried back and forth, adorning the grand banquet hall in preparation for the first birthday celebration of Alaric and Lara's precious twins—the young prince and princess of the empire.
Yet far from the noise and splendor, in a secluded corner of the eastern garden, the sound of laughter rang clear and unrestrained.
"Gway, stop!"
The bubbly cry made Alaric pause. He turned just in time to see Lara's wolves, Gray and Snow, indulging the twins' playful curiosity.
Gray gently nuzzled Aldrich, who accepted the attention with calm solemnity, while little Althea tugged enthusiastically at Snow's thick white fur.
"Althea, sweetheart, don't pull on Snow's fur," Alaric called from a few steps away, keeping a careful watch. "She might get agitated."
Althea's lips trembled. A pout formed, and tears welled in her striking eyes.
