(I am sorry this took so long x.x)

The panic that rushes through her is felt like a punch within his gut, his muscles tensing and his head snapping left and right in search of whatever had caused her anxiety. Except her mismatched eyes do not look away from him and it startles him to realize that she is panicking because of his appearance. Zaphkiel takes a half step back, looking suddenly uneasy - did she not want to see him? He had not done anything bad to her. Unless one counted moving on and having children with Astrid but he could feel no guilt from having done this. Astrid was his heart mate regardless of whatever was between him and Gaia. He would protect his imprint, he would make sure she lived happy and healthy, but he could never give her the heart that had been taken by his warrior queen. It was too late for that. Still, he feels a sense of nervous anticipation around her. It was the bond and it would forever remain that way, for he had remembered a night long ago in the dead of winter when he had came to the mountains at her silent call and appeared like a ghost from the falling snow. How fast time moves and how far things change.

A sigh rolls off his mouth heavily as he looks at her, seeing the embarrassment she wishes to hide so fiercely. How had she managed this long, he wonders? Still, it wasn't good to put her down so he glances down at the dead fox. "We need to get you somewhere warm and out of the elements. I'd rather you not freeze to death." His tones are exasperated almost but it is more to keep himself in check than anything. He doesn't know how to act around her, what is proper and what is not. Astrid would likely flay him anyways for coming home with Gaia's scent on him. "I will always be able to find you Gaia. I sensed your need so I came to help. He looks confused at the question, because why wouldn't he know? Why wouldn't he come to help her?

Her sadness spirals into him and he sits down, tucking his tail around him as he looks on her with his one good eye. "You are welcome," he answers back solemnly, offering her a strained smile because this feels so right and so wrong. How can life be so difficult? "I have been well," he starts but hesitates upon realizing the implications of her next question. A profound sadness crosses his face as he looks at her with sympathy - she didn't know did she? "You parents... Gaia... I am sorry, but they are dead. A wolfess dethroned them and then took their lives. I... I am sorry."