Fate can be a fickle creature. Only when the time was right did she allow good things to happen, but anger her for just a moment and you will regret it for years to come. Iblis had done many things in his time that had made Fate a cruel mistress to him. He didn't blame her for the things she thrust at him and, truth be told, he often found himself surprised he was still alive. Yet, Fate seemed to be kind today and even though the blizzard raged all around him, Iblis wasn't meant to be alone tonight. He knew she was there even before her massive form came bounding through the thick wall of snow. His heart fluttered like a newly formed butterfly within his chest and the pain in his paw even dulled slightly.

Ears forward and dark eyes searching, the male watched as his soul gave a gentle bark and raced towards him to bring him comfort and relief. No words were said as the two joined together. Rhae sniffs him up and down, no doubt trying to find that source of the blood trail, and lets out a small whine. Standing firm, the larger wolfess allows her imprint to lean against her and Iblis does. Their fur blends together, cream cinnamon and dark russet, as the smaller wolf rests and lifts his injured paw for Rhae to lick. It stings, but Iblis doesn't even flinch. Instead, he focuses on the soft fur of his mate and licks behind her ear as a small thanks. No matter what, she was there for him and always there to help him in his greatest times of need. He didn't know how she knew, probably Fate whispering in her ear, but he was grateful to her.

Did Rhae know that she was his life? His very existence? She was the air he breathed and the blood that pumped through his veins. He lived for her and her alone. Their children were proof of the bond they shared and the love that bloomed even in the darkest times. It was unfair for Rhae, really, to have Iblis for an imprint. It was dangerous, as proof of their captivity within Iromar, and he knew Rhae deserved more than that. Iblis knew that he would do anything for his imprint, fight for her, die for her, and even leave if she commanded it. Had she wished to never see him again, Iblis would obey though it would tear him apart. Dying would have been a better punishment. However, it had never come to that. The bond was held firm and side by side they walked from Iromar with their newborn children to start a new life together. With a sigh, Iblis pressed himself deeper into Rhae and for a moment there was nothing but the two of them. There was no blizzard, no pain, no blood, and no stranger watching them. It was just Iblis and Rhae as they walked side by side back to their den.

But that moment was not meant to last. A grand wolfess, about the same size as Rhae, materialized out of the harsh storm to stand before them. She was all white, save for the dark markings around her bright eyes, and her tail waved softly behind her. Taken by surprise, Iblis moved to stand in front of Rhae protectively with his hackles slightly prickled and his head down slightly. The wolf had not done anything to offer such a reaction but since the pair were so close to the borders of Iromar and the issues they had had only a year before, the male's actions were understandable. Some may see the sight to be rather comical. Iblis was much smaller than his imprint and she could have simply stepped over him, but it was the aura that the male produce that made him seem like a giant. A warrior through and through. For a moment, nothing was said then the stranger spoke in a gentle, somewhat pleasant voice. Iblis' ears pricked up slightly and he lifted his head, but not fully letting his guard down. "What is your name? Do you come from Iromar? I have already paid my debt with my blood and the blood of my mate. You will not take us again."

The normal, formal way of speaking was gone as Iblis stared down the larger wolfess. They all knew that if she really wanted to attack, she could easily pin him down. But there were many tricks up Iblis' sleeve and having Rhae there only made his will stronger. If blood were to be shed tonight, it would come heavily from both ends. Iblis took a small step back, ignoring the pain that had returned to his paw, and pressed himself against his mate. She was his rock now and he would make sure she continued to stand mighty and proud until he drew his last breath.