The air in the Southern Province living room was thick with the scent of old wood and the nervous energy of two she-wolves trying to pry open the clamshell that was Marigold. Sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting dust motes dancing in the air, a stark contrast to the swirling unease in her stomach.

Her friends, Scarlett and Ronnie, were at it again, gently, persistently, trying to push her towards finding a mate. Marigold sat on the worn couch, Roxi, Ronnie’s toddler, giggling as she crashed into her legs, momentarily distracting her from the familiar conversation. She scooped the child up, pressing a kiss to her forehead, a small, genuine smile gracing her lips.

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Let me grab my jacket, and I’ll meet you guys outside," she told Scarlett, who had just returned from seeing Ronnie off to training. Roxi, ever the enthusiast, darted towards the back door the moment her feet touched the ground, eager for the fallen leaves in the yard.

Marigold retreated to her room, snatching her jacket. She paused, eyeing her bed longingly, fighting the yawn that threatened to escape. Sleepless nights were becoming a habit, but she pushed through, joining Scarlett and Roxi outside. The crisp air helped, and for a few minutes, they spoke of trivial things, a brief respite before the inevitable. Scarlett, however, had not forgotten her mission.