After a few weeks in the care of the wolves of Glorall, Iblis was able to make the journey home at last. His wounds were scabbed over and closed but still hurt a bit after such a long walk. It wouldn't have taken the loner so long had he known who was waiting for him at the practically abandoned den that had once been home. A heavy heart made for slow steps. It had been a year since he had last seen his beloved mate and imprint. This thought alone tugged at the bond that held his soul together and he felt it tear a little deeper. What is a knight without a queen to protect? Without Rhae there was nothing for him. Not even his own children had stayed. Last he had seen of Cae he was off doing his own, silent things with other wolves that didn't have a home. Lucero had been just a youngling when he sprouted his wings and flew off. Loner blood pumped wildly through his veins and Iblis knew there was little chance he could pin the puppy down. And then there was Gaia. She had seemed so lost and confused. Her life in Iromar had been short lived but it had changed her. Any time he had tried to approach her she would skitter away like a demon in the light. One day they would talk, but that day was further and further away.

Lost in his memories, the small wolf didn't feel his heart skip a beat as it naturally felt its other half nearby. The moment Iblis had walked into the familiar woodland that had once been such a happy place he had unconsciously known she was there. Her scent hadn't reached his nose nor had her song reached his ears. It was the bond the two shared that told him. His heart, no, his very soul cried out for her and would not be silenced until he found her. The call had been soft but the more his paws moved the louder it grew until the warrior could no longer ignore it. With eyes and ears alert Iblis watched the forest around him for any sign of her. He could have howled, sang his song to her, but he did not. They had been apart for so long that part of him started to doubt he would ever see her again and even now, there was a bit of the mess in his mind that said she wasn't there and he was alone.

Her scent reached him. It was like a rose bathed in the moonlight on a clear summer's night. Fresh honey warmed by the sun. For a moment he paused to take it in before he rushed forwards with a smile on his face. Small paws carried him around a corner and there she was in all her beauty. His heart yearned for him to be with her and it took all he had not to bound forward like a love struck pup. Iblis had a bit more class than that. He smiled, stretching the many scars on his rugged face, and offered a soft bark to get her attention. Then he moved towards her at a gentle trot until he came face to face with his imprint. "Rhae. I have missed you," he said.

For the first time in countless moons the lone pair had been reunited. He nuzzled her soft fur and licked her muzzle. Their scents mixed together, her rose to his dirt, and the world knew what love was once again. The knight had his queen. To guard. To protect. To love without end. Time slipped away as he embraced her. Finally, almost reluctantly, Iblis pulled away and gazed up at her teal eyes. Then, like a wave, the memories of the lives he had taken while she was gone came flooding in. The monsters had to be stopped and their blood was on his paws. Had he, once again, placed Rhae in danger? Worry crept into his dark eyes as he said softly, "Where have you been? I was lost without you. I fear I may have done some terrible things while you were away. I am sorry, my queen. Can you ever forgive me?"