Aria’s POV

The first thing I noticed was her scent. Strong, soft, unmistakably hers. Hope. My little wolf pup. My daughter. My heart thumped so hard I thought it would burst through my chest. I staggered forward, barely noticing the ruins around us, barely caring about the torn clothes or ash-stained ground. All I could see was her.

“Mommy!” she squealed, voice high and shaky, yet full of life. She bolted toward me, tiny legs moving faster than I expected. I dropped to my knees, arms ...