As she took a step towards me, I saw the subtle surprise in Emerald's features as I told her about Kane's defeat and the pack's exodus from the home we had always known. She revealed to me then that Zeus had taken her long ago, and I couldn't help but wonder just how long she had been missing. A season? More? Why hadn't anyone gone looking for her? I did not know her very well, only her face and scent familiar as each wolf of Diveen's was. There must have been a reason - an adventurous spirit or notoriously wandering paws. I felt a heavy drop in the pit of my stomach, thinking about Dessa out there wandering Moladion. What if someone captured her, took her as a prisoner like Zeus had done to Emerald. I would never know, never think to look for her because she simply loved to ramble from place to place so much. I did my best to remain focused on the here and now, my gaze focused on Emerald as I continued. She desereved my full attention in this.

When she asked me what happened, I wished so badly that I had something good to tell her. That I did not have to crush her with the news of her father's passing. His murder. But this was my duty, to deliver this information and try to soften the blow as best as I could. Whether we were in Diveen or Spirane, I was still our pack's Guardian Angel in my heart. And so I would guard her in this, this horrific turn of events. Once more she stepped closer to me, and I could see the fear in her eyes of what was to come. I was direct with her, breaking the news the only way I could.

Not him too, she said, collapsing to the ground in front of me. My ears pulled back in remorse, but I remained as I was, letting the waves of emotions crash over her as she took in what I had told her. And then it truly hit her, and the words that she spoke made my ears prick forward once more. He wanted my dad. Even the possibility that she might blame herself made me lift slightly from the ground. I did not fully stand, only half rising so that I could move closer to her before laying down again. I extended a forepaw to place atop hers, bridging the gap. I could not tell if she would be receptive to any attempts to comfort her, but I had to try. "None of this is your fault, Emerald. He fought valiantly, but you are right - Zeus is a monster. Isola and Kane know of what has transpired, and he will answer for his crimes." I was here for her, if she needed to curl into me and simply cry or to scream and rage and blame for the death of her father. I just knew I had to be here for her, in any way possible.