With Lilith's arrival, Glad's family expanded in unexpected directions.
Lilith and Amihan—Ariel's mother—became fast friends, bonding over centuries of separation from their children.
"We both lost time," Lilith observed. "We both got it back."
"Different than we expected. But back."
Maya adopted Lilith as an honorary grandmother, seeking her advice on ancient creature customs and modern leadership challenges.
"You're young to carry such weight," Lilith observed.
"I had good teachers. Including your daughter."
"She's good at teaching?"
"The best. Annoying, but the best."
Even the Watcher found a place in Lilith's heart. She'd never had a cat—never had any pet—but the Watcher's Anino-form charmed her completely.
"He reminds me of someone," she said, petting him.
"Someone important."
"He must have been very special."
"He was."
The family grew.
Not by birth.
By choice.
By love.