The flight to the rainforest was smooth, with the wind ruffling my scales as I soared through the sky, the sun casting golden light over the lush canopy below. The trees stretched on forever, a vast sea of green punctuated by splashes of colorful flowers and vibrant vines. I laughed and chatted with my winglet, the familiar banter making me feel at ease despite the swirling thoughts in my mind. Winter flew nearby, occasionally throwing me a glance, his icy demeanor softened by the warm air and the camaraderie of the trip. I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, yet a part of me still lingered with thoughts of Darkstalker, and I wondered if I could ever fully let go of the past.

Moon, of course, caught on immediately, her eyes narrowing as she made an exaggerated face. I could almost feel the flicker of her gaze cutting through my thoughts. It was both comforting and a little frustrating that she could read my mind, but I was prepared. I reached down and felt the warmth of the skyfire rock nestled against my scales, the soft glow it gave off reassuring me that it would protect my thoughts from prying eyes—at least, I hoped it would.

As we flew closer to the rainforest, the dense canopy parted ahead of us, revealing the small NightWing village nestled in a clearing. The familiar scent of damp earth and rich foliage filled the air, and as we descended toward the ground, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. It had been so long since I'd been here, but the village still felt like home.

Moon's mother, Secretkeeper, stepped forward to greet us as we landed. She was a tall, elegant NightWing with a cloak of black scales that shimmered under the sun, her wings spread wide in a welcoming gesture. "Hey there, welcome," she called out, her voice warm with affection. She caught Moon in a tight hug, nuzzling her daughter's cheek affectionately. "It's good to see you, my Moonbeam," she added with a smile, and Moon immediately blushed, her wings twitching uncomfortably.

"Mom, don't call me that in front of my winglet," Moon muttered, looking away with a slight frown. The nickname seemed to make her embarrassed, but Secretkeeper just chuckled softly, clearly amused by her daughter's reaction.

I smiled, watching the two of them, their bond so clear. It was nice to see Moon with her family, and I couldn't help but feel a little lighter in the moment, even as my mind still wandered in circles. Maybe this trip wouldn't be as complicated as I feared.

Winter's wing brushed against mine, a subtle but unmistakable warmth that sent a shiver down my spine. His usual icy demeanor seemed a little softer in this moment, and his voice, though hesitant, held an unfamiliar vulnerability. "Tsunami said we have the hut where the garland of agate flowers is hanging," he said with a frown, his gaze drifting to the colorful blooms hanging from the rafters above. "Though I'm not sure what they are."

I couldn't help but laugh softly, the sound light and unburdened by the thoughts that had been circling in my mind. "They're pretty flowers, trust me," I said, my voice playful as I swept my wings up and over, leading the way toward our hut. The platform creaked underfoot as we approached, nestled within the heart of the village, the vibrant jungle around us filled with the sounds of distant wildlife.

The garland of agate flowers shimmered in the sunlight, casting delicate shadows across the wooden floor. I found our mats easily, and as I laid my sack down beside mine, I glanced at Winter, whose gaze seemed distant, troubled. He laid his own sack on the mat, his talons brushing against the fabric in slow, deliberate movements.

Then, without warning, Winter's voice broke the silence, the words tumbling out more quickly than I expected. "I'm sorry if I've been... off these last few weeks," he said, his eyes searching mine. I frowned slightly, confused. "How off do you mean?"

Winter didn't immediately answer. Instead, he looked down at his claws, a deep sigh escaping him as he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not... it's not just the trip or everything that's been happening," he began, shaking his head as though trying to make sense of his own thoughts. "I've been carrying something for a long time, and I think it's time I tell you."

My heart skipped a beat, a tight knot of anticipation forming in my chest. "What is it, Winter?" I asked, my voice softer now, encouraging but gentle.

He took my claws in his, the chill of his touch grounding me as he met my gaze. The way his eyes softened, the seriousness in his posture—it was as if he was preparing to confess something important, something that might change everything between us.

"Let's just say that I want to tell you something I've been holding inside for a long time," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle in the space between us. "You can tell me anytime," I replied, my words sincere, my heart open. Whatever it was, I wanted to hear it.

Winter gave a small, almost imperceptible smile, his gaze lingering on mine for a moment before he looked away again, his thoughts clearly still tangled. It was in that moment, though, that I realized—whether it was Darkstalker or Winter, I was standing at a crossroads, torn between the past and what was growing here in front of me.

"I-I love you," he stammered, his face flushed with an unmistakable blue hue. For a moment, I thought my heart had stopped. Time seemed to stretch, and the world around me faded as I tried to process his confession.

I gazed at him, my thoughts whirling in a whirlwind of emotion. I need to do this, I thought to myself. Winter and I are more probable than me and Darkstalker. Just be happy with this, Midnight. You do love him, right?

And so, I smiled softly, my heart trembling a little, as I took his claws gently in mine. "I love you too," I said, my voice steady despite the warmth flooding my chest. His expression shifted instantly, the blue of his scales deepening as his eyes widened in surprise and hope.

"Really?" he asked, a softness to his voice that made my heart flutter. I nodded, the words flowing naturally, though I wasn't sure whether it was the certainty of love or the weight of the decision that had me feeling so full.

Before I could say anything more, Winter leaned in, his gaze soft and filled with all the unspoken words between us, and just as his lips neared mine, the sound of the hut door crashing open shattered the moment.

"Hey guys—oh, sorry!" Kinkajou's voice rang out, her eyes widening in surprise as she skidded to a halt. Both Winter and I quickly pulled away from each other, a flurry of embarrassment and confusion sweeping through me as I felt the heat rise to my face.

I flushed a deep shade of red, though I tried my best to stay composed despite the awkwardness. "It's—it's alright, what is it?" I asked, my voice a little too breathy as I crossed my wings nervously.

Kinkajou giggled, clearly amused at the situation. "Tsunami says to gather in the clearing where we will receive our assignments," she explained, her mischievous smile never wavering.

I shot Winter a quick glance, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me, but I could tell from the way he was looking at me—his eyes filled with a quiet joy—that this moment, despite its interruption, was something that would stay with me. With a deep breath, I stood, smoothing my ruffled feathers and preparing myself for whatever the next step in this journey would bring.