Whether she simply chose not to see it or genuinely couldn't read her own daughter, it was difficult to say. Whatever the case, the subtle twitch was wholly ignored, and Valeska was all too delighted to fling herself around Sreda's neck and buried her face in her ruff.

Спасибо, (Thank you) she said quietly, the sound muffled by the dark fur pressed against her lips. Как бы далеко ты ни ушёл, я понесу это с собой. (No matter how far you go, I will carry this with me.)

Valeska held her there for several more moments, feeling that it would be a long time indeed before they would easily cross paths again. She closed her eyes and breathed in her scent; only a mother could appreciate the aroma of cobwebs and decay.

And then it was time to let go.

How fast you have all grown, she said, eyes glistening. The little wolf sniffed, dabbing at the tip of her nose with the back of her paw. I shall endure. You will succeed in anything you wish, little shadow.

Her throat tightened dangerously. Oh no.

Go, go, before I fully burst into tears, and then you shall not know what to do about it, she said, waving a limb in the general direction of Away while averting her gaze back toward the mountains of Elysium. Be well, my daughter.