12/13/2025, 6:11 AM
She looked so surprised that he did not know what an aana was, and Aivar could only scoff when she in turn was surprised he didn't have one.
Mother of his mother…
He realized then,
Well maybe I did, I don't know!His voice was light, then turned to laughter. But no one had ever taught him such a skill. It was so foreign to him.
Mother of his mother…
He realized then,
Oh,he shook his head.
No I didn't have an aana, then. Just my mother. I mean, I'm sure I had a grandmother but I never knew them.His ears pulled back, and he looked both contemplative and sheepish as he thought about it.
My mother, though,he said.
She was a very wise wolf, and I loved her—His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat,
very much.He took a deep breath.
Will you teach me how to take the skin off like this?
