The Wolf’s Child

Kael knew what was happening.

The letter had arrived the day before — and though he couldn't read it from where he lay, he had watched Benjen's eyes move quickly across the lines, his jaw tightening. When Benjen folded the parchment with a quiet sigh, Kael had already guessed: it was time.

Winterfell.

The name echoed in his head. It wasn't just a place. It was the place. The start of everything. Where it all had gone wrong once… and where maybe, this time, it could go right.

He didn't know how much of his past life would matter there, or if anyone would even believe what Benjen had to say. He didn't know who was still alive, or who had changed. He didn't even know what he would do once he got there. But he knew this: Winterfell meant purpose. It meant movement. It meant the real part of his second life was beginning.

That thought made something twist in his chest. He was excited — but also nervous. It was all about to start. And there was so much he didn't control.

But then he breathed slowly — as slowly as his tiny chest allowed.

One thing at a time, he told himself. First we get there.

Benjen had wasted no time. As the last snow of the morning fell, he moved with steady hands through the keep, gathering furs, bread, salt meat. Strapping the saddle. Sharpening a small knife. The cold did not slow him. When Kael looked at him, he saw something quiet in the man's eyes — something that looked like duty. Maybe hope.

They left just after midday.

Benjen held him close on the saddle, one arm wrapped securely around his tiny body. Kael could feel the movement of the horse beneath them, the steady rhythm, the sway. The world was wide and white, and everything felt sharp with cold — but also alive.

Vara, the white she-wolf, walked ahead of the horse. Her breath steamed into the air. She didn't look back, but Kael felt her presence like a shadow, constant and protective. The pup — still unnamed — stayed close to her legs, leaping through the snow in clumsy, joyful bursts.

Kael smiled at the sight. Someday, he would give the little wolf a name.

Benjen spoke often as they rode. His voice was steady, low — not like a man talking to a baby, but like someone telling stories to pass the time.

"You'll like Winterfell," he said. "It smells like stone and woodsmoke. The great hall's always warm. My brother sits at the high seat now — Lord Eddard Stark. But to me, he's still just Ned."

He chuckled. "Once, he tried to prove to Father that he could ride without hands. Took one turn too sharp — straight into the ditch. Mother was furious."

Kael gave a small huff — not quite a laugh, but enough to make his shoulders shake.

Benjen glanced down, amused. "Oh, you liked that one?"

Kael looked up at him with wide eyes and blinked slowly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Benjen smiled back. "Thought so. You've got a wicked sense of humor, I can tell."

As the horse stepped carefully down a narrow slope, Benjen went on. "There was this time, in spring — Ned got stuck in the library for hours because a bee followed him in. Wouldn't stop buzzing. He wouldn't move until it flew out the window."

Kael made a small sound in his throat — something like a laugh trying to come out.

Benjen gave a warm chuckle. "You're going to fit right in."

At night, they made small camps near trees or under stony ridges. Benjen set down Kael gently, built a fire, and unpacked their food. Navara curled around them like a silent guardian, and the pup wriggled into Kael's blankets, tiny body pressing against him for warmth.

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The days passed quickly.

Snow turned to frost. Trees thickened. The smell of fire and pine filled the air. One morning, as they crested a hill, Kael saw it: a great gray wall rising from the earth, towers reaching high like the bones of giants.

Winterfell.

Kael's breath caught.

It was even more than he had imagined.

He remembered how it looked in the show — the wide courtyard, the towers, the godswood. But standing here now, it felt so much more real. Bigger. Fuller. There were more people than the show ever showed, more movement, more life in every corner. This wasn't a set or a backdrop. This was home. This was real.

And for a moment, he just stared.

Benjen's voice was quiet. "We're home."

Kael rested his head against the man's chest, the cold wind brushing over his face.

He didn't speak. He couldn't.

But in his heart, something glowed like a small, steady fire.

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Hey everyone!

Just wanted to clarify something about this story:

From the very beginning, I've planned it as a BL story.

Right now, I'm leaning toward Robb Stark as the potential love interest, but nothing is fully decided yet. I'd really love to hear your thoughts —

Who do you think would be a great match for Kael?

Is there a character you'd love to see him bond with romantically?

One important thing: this will not be a harem. There will be only one love interest.

I'm excited to explore this part of the story with you all, so feel free to share your ideas or vote for your favorite! Your input truly means a lot to me.

Thank you for being here and for supporting Kael's journey.