When I back off, I wait to see what will happen next. The black female by the name of Vela steps up next, her eyes seemingly relieved as if she expected me to say anything but what I did say. I listen as she speaks up, agreeing with me and telling Sin that she has always been there and that she wouldn't accept Sin stepping down. A smile curves at my lips, glad that I seem to be voicing the same thing everyone else is thinking. My eyes return to Akina, remembering the way her whole body seemed to relax as she embraced Sin. But she seemed confused when Sin started apologizing. Of course this is nobody's fault but the wolf who committed the crime but these two wounded mothers have to blame themselves. I think it's in the mother's code book or something. I watch Akina's eyes close as Sin steps away, her body posture still serene and relaxed as if she's still wrapped in the black alphess' embrace. When she finally opens her eyes, I follow their gaze to the young wolfess who approached the clearing. The way she looks at the girl, this can only be her daughter but hurt flashes in Akina's eyes when the teen doesn't even bother to look her way. I feel her pain for her, my heart aching but I know there's nothing I can do.
When I approached, Akina flashes me a smile and its as if the whole world lights up all around me with just that brief gesture. Then Sin started talking again and Akina's direction drifted to listen. I watch the emotions flash across her face as Sin speaks. It's painful to watch. At least she seems to focus more when Sin promotes her, giving the alphess a nod of acknowledgement. When Vela has spoken her piece, Akina steps up and says that the pack needs her. I nod in agreement. Next a young male arrives, flashing Vela a smile. He then approaches Sin, calling her mother. I frown a bit in worry, wondering how he's going to take this information if he's her son. My worst fears come true when the male's face registers shock at her words. I wait for them to sink in and then he starts talking, first asking questions in puzzlement before jumping right into rage, yelling at Sin and ending it with the three words a mother never wants to hear. I ache for her and wonder how she'll react but he's off like a bullet, racing off into the woods and my body tenses but I know that it will do no good for a stranger to follow him. Besides, it's not like I'll have any wise words to give him. In fact, it's probably best if I don't put myself alone with anyone, especially a younger wolf, not with my history.
Next a pair of wolves comes in. I smell faint traces of Aurora on at least one of them so I give them a studying look before focusing back on the rest of the meeting. The male gives Vela a smile and I wonder just how many males have a crush on the black female. She's pretty, that's for sure. I guess I just don't know her well enough. I hear the male's growl when Sin tells her story and it makes me feel some respect for him. Anyone should be angry over a crime like this. Finally the male gives his female companion a look before stepping forward. He tries to comfort Sin after her son runs off. I can only hope she'll listen and not ache over what just happened. Finally the male introduces himself as Cody. He names the other wolf as Zig. He seems uncertain of being welcomed here. My eyes turn to Sin but I have no doubt that she would accept him and his friend. Why would she turn them away? I notice the ivory male moving closer to Vela then, rubbing his head on her in an affectionate gesture. My eyes glance around the clearing, catching onto the young female who I've identified as Akina's daughter.
When I speak, it seems to do something to her and she bristles up, looking defensive. My eyes make sure to look away, not wanting to agitate her further though I'm not sure what exactly I did wrong. She then touches her nose to Darth's shoulder before turning on her heel to leave the clearing. A frown touches my lips, thinking it rude to leave the meeting without being dismissed but she's her own wolf and I shouldn't be the one to correct her. She looks off toward someone else then, giving them a nod before her steps start toward Akina. I wonder how this will go. She stops then, giving her mother a look. I don't understand this look but there's something daring and intense about it, something I'm not sure that Akina will like at all. I tilt my head a bit, wondering at it but then the female is off, bolting off toward the borders and its anyone's guess where she's going or when or if she's coming back.
My attention reaches back to Sin, watching her nod in approval of my words. I can practically see the hope in her restoring as each wolf speaks. She seems to lean on Akina's every word and I can only hope that'll bring her back strong. She acknowledges Cody and Zig with her body and ears but for now she seems more focused on her son. I watch all of her resolve crumble though under the painful words of her son. She grows thoughtful and I can tell a war if waging in her mind right now. Patient, I watch as her body stiffens and her eyes grow cold but she's standing her ground, standing strong even though I know she must be dying inside, breaking down, crumbling. But then she draws her blind eyes to Cody and Zig, welcoming them both back to Aurora. Next she's all business, asking me, Akina, and Vela to step forward. My eyes cloud a bit in puzzlement when she tells us to pick wolves but then she clarifies, saying that it will just be her and I on border patrol. I nod in acknowledgement. We get to teach fighting lessons apparently. My skin bristles a bit, hoping I'll be able to stay in control. I remind myself to work more on discipline. The last thing I need is a slip up.
She continues, telling Akina to get a pack hunt within the week before turning her attention to Vela. I wonder if I won't be on this next hunt because I have to stay at the borders but I guess it wouldn't kill me to stay back for one or two hunts. I step forward as commanded, holding my ground, skin rippling in anticipation of what's to happen next. I can't help but glance toward Zig, having not really paid her any mind during the meeting. She seems timid, sticking to Cody's side like glue and nudging him for reassurance though I don't know if that's for her or him. She nods when he says her name, and I notice shock register on her face as she looks at Sin. Perhaps realizing that her alpha doesn't have 20/20 vision? The thought amuses me somewhat but I'm sure she'll figure out that it makes Sin no less of an alpha and no less deadly than anyone else. She thanks Sin humbly for welcoming her, her words a whisper before she tilts her head and asks for Sin's name.
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