Chapter Text
Solstice survives delivering Winter. Channary grows interested in Solstice's work and is also entranced by Winter. She accidentally lets it slip that she is pregnant and runs back to the castle. The next day, Evret approaches her and gives her a gift Solstice made for her. Inside, she finds a beautifully embroidered blanket inside. She falls in love with the gift and gently caresses her stomach, feeling emotions she never felt before.
She and Solstice get very close along with Jacin's mother, May, and Channary begins to understand how horrible she's been to the people, especially her sister and fears that this means she won't be a good mother. One night, Channary admits her fears of doing harm to her baby. Solstice comforts her and says that the fact that she is admitting her fears shows how good of a mother she will be. Channary rubs her belly and says her name will be Selene.
Later on, Channary gives birth and is struck by the love that zaps through her at seeing Selene's face for the first time. She then asks Solstice and May if they will help her. They smile and say yes and Channary cries happily, holding and kissing her Selene.
Five years later, Selene is five years, Winter six, and Jacin eight. The three families are all out for a picnic and Channary is talking with Solstice and May while Evret and Garrison are playing with the kids. Channary exclaims how delicious the food is and asks where it came from. They mention the new cafe and it is owned by Michelle Benoit. Logan had recently rekindled his affair with the Earthen pilot from many years ago and that their seven year old granddaughter now lived with them, her father being incompetent. Channary is shocked to hear Logan had a family, despite him being Selene's doctor.
The next day, Channary and Solstice take their daughters to the bakery, Jacin tagging along. Michelle comes over and is struck to see the Queen in her cafe but regains her composer. Channary quickly tells how delicious her food is, which quickly warms up Michelle and they begin to talk about how Michelle learned.
After a while, Scarlet comes out with a fresh batch of cookies and stops at the sight of the folk in the cafe. Michelle gently prods Scarlet to introduce herself and Channary giggles gently as Scarlet holds her hand out for her shake. Channary plays along and introduces herself and Selene, Solstice doing the same for herself, Winter, and Jacin. Scarlet warms up to them and offers some of her cookies to them, to which Channary exclaims how delicious they are and that she must have real skills as a cook and baker.
A few months later, the now four families are all sitting in the palace dining room, eating dinner that both Michelle and Scarlet, as well as the royal cooks, made when Sybil marches in with Sage Darnel behind her and his five year old daughter, Crescent in her unfriendly grip. Sybil is delighted in finding his Shell child and tells Channary what he has done and that it was his wife that told her the truth.
The families all look at Channary, worried about what will happen to the girl and are struck to see the thinly veiled anger and disgust in her expression. She stands from the table, marches over to Sybil, and she takes the girl out of her arms with a scowl and begins to gently rock her and whisper sweet words to her. Crescent calms and Channary gives her back to Sage.
She explains her disgust with Sybil's treatment towards them and announces from here on out, there will be no more taking and killing off of Shell children. She dismisses Sybil who is seething and embarrassed and turns her attention to Sage. She admits it will be hard for the people to accept Shells again and his daughter could be in danger for some time before she is safe. She offers to let him stay for the night and exclaims they must be tired and famished. That night Sage eats, talks, and laughs with the families while Crescent plays with the other kids.
Near the end of the year, the Kesley family is brought to Channary by Aimery and Jerrico. Aimery goes into a speech in saying that Ze'ev could very well become the next Alpha and that he will be a perfect soldier. Both Channary and Levana are in the throne room. Levana brings in good points but Channary only has eyes on Ze'ev.
Finally she stands from her throne and walks up to the family. She kneels before Ze'ev who is startled to see her so close. She looks him over having him show her all his teeth and his arms. She admits that he is a bit slim but that he has strength and spirit. Aimery believes he has won her favor while David and Maha are tense, nearly in tears, believing they will be losing one of their sons, meanwhile Ran's eyes are gleaming.
But then Channary stands and puts her hands on Ze'ev's shoulders. She turns to Aimery with an impassive look and says that it would be a shame however to take him away from the people who must have taught him these skills. Realizing what is happening, Aimery tries to back track but Channary glamors his mouth shut.
Ze'ev's family is confused by the change in events and look as Channary turns toward them. She offers them another deal. That Ze'ev will become a lupine soldier but he may continue to live with his family if he so wishes. The question is directed to Ze'ev and unable to speak, he nods his head fervently, Channary finally smiling. Maha finally lets her tears fall and David expresses their gratefulness to Channary. Channary smiles and walks to his parents and takes their hands in hers as Ze’ev clings to his mother. She explains that a child belongs with their families and vice versa. They smile for the first time and thank her once again.
Channary then turns to Ran and kneels before him, surprising him. She tells him he best not take what he has for granted. Ran glares and speaks quietly, saying this should have been his chance to prove himself, no longer be in Ze'ev's shadow. Channary tsks him and stands.
At the moment, Scarlet walks in, Crescent is tow and immediately sees Ze'ev and asks if he can come play with the other kids. Ze'ev is shy but he looks to Channary and asks if it is okay. She smiles and says as long as his parents are okay with it. They smile and say yes.
During the day, Channary watches all six children playing and the families all together, David and Maha included, and feels intense love for them all. Ran isn't taking part in the games but she can't bring herself to be upset. She looks up at the palace window and catches a glimpse of Levana. She knows about her obsession for Evret but she hopes she and her sister could at the very least forgive and forget what Channary did to her. She then turns to the sky, where a sliver of Earth can be seen. Her eyes get a little misty and murmurs muted words to the empty space.