The salt air hits my nose before my vision even clears, triggering an immediate memory of Lurelin Village. But as my eyes focus, I realize something's off—the beach curves differently, the thatched roofs have a distinctive pattern I don't recognize, and the fishing boats are smaller than those in my era. Not my home, but undeniably beautiful in its own right.

A sudden yank on my hand pulls me forward, sand shifting under my feet as I stumble to keep up. Wind's excitement is palpable as he drags me along the shore, his laughter mingling with the crashing waves.

"C'mon, Wild!" he shouts over his shoulder. "Grandma's probably making something delicious, and Aryll will be home from school soon! You're gonna love her—she'll probably want to braid your hair!"

Behind us, I hear the others laughing at my undignified scramble. My feline grace abandons me completely in the loose sand, ears flattening against my head in embarrassment as my tail lashes behind me. When I finally manage to dig in my heels and yelp, Wind slows, turning with an apologetic but still灿烂 smile.

"Sorry!" he says, though his eyes still dance with excitement. "I just... haven't been home in so long." His gaze softens. "You'll be okay here, I promise. Everyone's super nice."

As the others catch up, Twilight gives me a knowing look, his concern evident. Time claps a hand on my shoulder.

"First impressions can be overwhelming," he says gently. "Take your time."

I nod, trying to relax my tense shoulders. This is it—the moment I've both dreaded and anticipated since Wind mentioned visiting his home. Meeting the family of someone who's become like a little brother to me. I purr softly, more for my own reassurance than anything else, and let Wind lead me toward the cluster of houses ahead, acutely aware of every eye that might be watching us approach.