"She has passed through the critical phase, but the growth within her skull remains. I recommend we perform the extraction ritual now while she recovers. The healing procedures and ongoing tonic regimens will require approximately thirty thousand in resource stipends. Prepare yourselves."
I dipped my chin in acknowledgment.
"I will provide it."
By the following day, my oath-ledger allocation had been credited with fifty thousand.
I transferred every last coin to the healer-den's accounts without hesitation.
Fortune had not abandoned my mother. The moon still watched over her.
After three days of hovering between the veil and the living world, Selene Ashvale's condition finally stabilized.
Throughout those three days, not a single member of the Stormhart pack came. No messenger, no inquiry, not even a whisper of concern.
But the pack's shared message-boards buzzed with celebration.
"Moonblessing payout of one hundred thousand! This lunar cycle has been glorious!"
"Gratitude to our matriarch for her generous distribution! Long live the pack mother!"
"Thank you, grandmother. You are the finest of all."
"Our den-mother is the greatest in all territories!"