Ive had been learning the twisting maze that was Ravens Grove. She was quite skilled at mapping things out in her mind, a talent honed by the countless hours she spent alone.

Now that the demonlings were old enough to no longer require such close watching, and with the reassurance that Ivandri and Aksel were likely somewhere nearby, she felt at ease for the first time in quite a while. Being away from those... creatures always brought a sense of relief.

There was no destination in mind today. She simply wandered to explore her new home, stretch her legs, and breathe in the clean air.

The ghost drifted silently through the trees until an unfamiliar voice broke the quiet. She paused instantly, dappled ears flicking as her brow furrowed in concentration, trying to place the direction it had come from.

Curiosity stirred, and she moved toward the sound with practiced silence. Before long, a stranger came into view. Not quite a yearling, she guessed, though they were beginning to fill out all the same.

Icy blue eyes studied them in silence, curiosity steadily blooming in her mind. Had Elvie mentioned any newcomers? Nothing surfaced.

Caution settled over her then, and she approached warily. Every step was deliberate, silent, her pale form slipping between the trees like a wandering spirit.