Darius spoke softly. "They handled the shift with courage. We guide them through the rest the same way."
Kane nodded. "Indeed. Their forms bring new strength. We teach control so it never becomes a burden."
Rylan grinned as Lila waved from ahead. "I'm glad. They want to help defend the coast now. Their words, not mine. The three of them together asked this morning."
I squeezed the hands in mine. "Then we consider it when they are ready. For now we keep them close and let them grow into the roles they choose.".
The children declared their wish that night after supper. They stood together in the chambers with serious faces. Lila spoke for all three. "We want to help on the coast. Not just practice. Real watches when the shadow calls. We can protect the pack together."
Thorne added, "I see the patterns in the water. I can warn everyone."
Elara held my hand. "I can heal the sailors if they get hurt."
