The Summer Bonfire Festival

Avantika knew she was slipping. It happened over and over and over again. She'd bid Audra good night usually, sometimes she'd even get into bed with her, waiting with her heart racing as her girlfriend's gradually slowed, but no matter what, she always ended up here. Staring at the horizon like there were lightning-fast enemies right there, ready to sprint over the line as soon as she glanced away, she would run the patrol for hours. She didn't get much sleep anymore, but she couldn't sleep if she didn't fully exhaust herself to the point of nearly fainting on her feet first. The pull of impending doom was magnetic, impossible to drag herself away from. Nothing happened. But it could.

The call for the celebration came. Avantika stared out at the horizon for a moment more, now standing statue still. Did she really have to go? Sure, she should. But what if something happened out here while she was busy being selfish and partying? She realized the direction of her thoughts and vehemently shook her head. She couldn't miss one of the Hallows' celebrations. It was her adoptive siblings' birthday season, too. She had to wish them a happy birthday, at least. And one face kept appearing in her mind's eye. Audra. Her beautiful, amazing girlfriend. She didn't want to face her. But she needed to talk to her again. She needed to kiss her and feel safe like she never could anytime else. It was a dangerous feeling, security. Some wolves were adrenaline junkies, but that soft hug of safety was the drug Avantika would chase until it killed her.

Avantika scanned the faces as she always did, grading herself on how many wolves managed to arrive before her. Her score? Not great. But it was one particular face that her eyes were drawn to. Audra was already there, sitting with Laeta. Kaata and Kit flew down to roost on both of Avantika's shoulders as she moved over to her love. "Hey," she said softly, a touch of apology in her tone. She wouldn't talk to anyone else until Audra said whatever she wanted and they had a good conversation for once.

"Speech"