"Have you forgotten your son's remarkable talents?" Wolf Mother gently reminded, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Logan responded with a proud tilt of his head, "I've crafted the finest liquor and maltose, trading them successfully with the human kingdom. Thanks to those endeavors, our Silver Mane Tribe flourishes, unburdened by financial woes."
Grasping Wolf Mother's hands warmly, Logan implored, "Please, ensure that Kevin, Ginny, and the others are well cared for."
Wolf Mother listened intently as Logan continued, his eyes tracing the lines of time on her face, "Tomorrow, Kevin and his siblings will step into adulthood, and Ginny, along with Kevin, will turn five in just two months. In five years, they too will be adults."
His voice grew somber, "They'll embark on their own journeys, much like I have. They won't always be around to keep you company, Mother."
It was a harsh truth, that children grow up and forge their own paths, often leaving their parental home behind.
Logan's voice softened, "I hope you can find peace in just being with Ginny and the others while you can. They need to cherish this time with you, as much as you do with them."
Wolf Mother, initially stunned, nodded slowly in understanding. "I understand," she affirmed, the realization dawning that her time with Logan, her eldest, was no longer as abundant as it once was.
Logan squeezed her hands, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes, "And when the time comes for Ginny and the others to venture out, I'll ask Jane to bless you with more grandchildren to fill your days."
A smile broke across Wolf Mother's face at the thought of future grandchildren. "That would be wonderful!" she exclaimed.
But her smile faded slightly, "Yet, that means waiting another five years..."
"Mother, Ginny will never leave you," declared the young wolf girl, Ginny, hurling herself into her mother's arms with youthful exuberance.
Wolf Mother enveloped her daughter in a warm embrace, her voice thick with emotion, "Indeed, you are your mother's precious daughter!"
The Kevin brothers, having listened to the exchange, approached hesitantly yet earnestly. "Mother, even if we can't be by your side as Logan mentioned, we promise to bring you joy through your grandchildren."
"You are all my treasures," Wolf Mother responded, her voice quivering as she fought back tears, lovingly ruffling their hair.
"Enough with formalities. What's on your mind?" Logan's tone shifted to a more serious register, his brows knitting together slightly in concern.
Isabel's confidence faltered under his gaze, her amber eyes flickering with a mix of surprise and a hint of sadness. "I... I apologize, Chief. I didn't mean to disturb you," she stammered, her voice a whisper of disappointment. Without another word, she turned to leave, her heart sinking with the thought that perhaps she had misread their last encounter.
Logan watched her retreat, a knowing smile playing at the edges of his lips. As she stepped away, he reached out swiftly, capturing her hand and drawing her back. "Isabel!"
Her startled scream cut through the quiet night, prompting Logan to quickly cover her mouth with his hand. Utilizing his agility, he whisked them both to a rooftop, leaping from the village boundaries with her in tow.
Meanwhile, Fenrir, confused by the sudden disappearance of his master, let out a low whimper. Unable to follow through the air, the loyal wolf returned to the door, curling up to settle down for the night.
Seated on a grassy knoll outside the tribe, Logan and Isabel found a moment of peace under the celestial glow of a full moon. Isabel's cheeks were tinted with the flush of emotional turmoil, realizing now that Logan hadn't been indifferent to her; he'd simply been playful.
"The moon is truly splendid tonight," Logan remarked casually, lying back and resting his head against Isabel's coiled snake tail.
"It is, indeed," Isabel agreed, her voice soft, her earlier dismay slowly melting away under the moonlight and his proximity.
"You are beautiful too," Logan added, turning to face her, his eyes tracing her features in the moonlight.
Isabel's blush deepened, her heart fluttering at his compliment, which seemed to draw the fragrance of night-blooming flowers from her skin.
"Why did you really come tonight? Did you miss me?" Logan continued, his tone light, teasing.
Isabel, taken aback by his directness, could only nod, her eyes wide and earnest.
"You did?" Logan sat up, genuinely surprised by her candid admission. "You really missed me?"
"I did," Isabel confessed, turning to face him fully, her gaze steady and sure. "I missed you, Logan."
At her words, Logan paused, the playfulness in his demeanor giving way to a sincere warmth. He pulled her gently into an embrace, and this time, Isabel did not resist, settling into the comfort of his arms under the watchful eyes of the stars.