The golden light of late afternoon bathed Nome in a soft glow, stretching long shadows across the snow-covered streets. Jenna sat on the worn wooden steps of her home’s porch, the familiar creak beneath her paws a quiet comfort. Behind her, the warm glow of the window framed the silhouettes of her family—Rosie, safe and smiling, the same child she nearly lost during the serum run, and her parents, sharing quiet conversation over dinner.

Beside her, Dixie lifted her head high, subtly shifting so the light caught the sparkling gemstones on her collar. Sylvie leaned in with an approving hum, while Jenna merely smiled, used to her friend’s dramatics.

"Isn’t it just divine? Back then, I had it made to catch Steele’s eye—ugh, what was I thinking?" Dixie wrinkled her nose, shaking her head as if physically casting off the memory. "But now? Oh, it’s for a much luckier dog."

Sylvie smirked. "And just who would that be?"

Dixie huffed, flicking an ear. "That’s the problem, isn’t it? A collar this stunning deserves a match just as dazzling, and yet… no one in this town seems to meet the standard."

Jenna chuckled. "Maybe you should stop looking for the shiniest dog and start looking for the right one."

Dixie scoffed. "And you’re the expert on that, hmm?"

Sylvie grinned. "Well, considering who she ended up with..."

Jenna shook her head, amused. "I’m just saying, a good heart lasts longer than a good shine."

Dixie let out a dramatic sigh. "Yes, yes, but there’s no harm in a little extra shine, right? I mean, come on, Jenna, don’t tell me Balto wouldn’t look even more dashing with a little something extra."

Jenna raised a brow. "I think he looks fine just the way he is."

Dixie rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. The three of them sat together as the last of the sun dipped below the horizon, laughter and easy conversation filling the quiet street. Life in Nome was always shifting, but some things—like nights like these—never changed.