Anxiety mixed with pain as Halcyon waited. His stomach turned over and over and his wounds, especially the large gash on his throat, seemed to throb with each turn of his tummy. The berries Nakato had given him had kept the pain away for a time, but they were beginning to wear away and the agony had returned with a vengeance. Still, he did his best to ignore it all. His mind was focused on the conversation that was going to happen. Her steps are quiet, but her dark form appears before him as she looks him over quietly. His ears fell at her first words, unable to reply. What could he say that wouldn’t offend or upset her? He had abandoned his duties, his pack, for some childish dream. How could he ever be trusted again?

The next thing said was rather unexpected and he looked at his mother figure intently, unsure where she was going. "I’m sorry. I know I should have let you know I was ok, but I was hurt badly and couldn’t move from the healer’s den. I know that’s no excuse…" His voice trailed off. What more was there to say? But she is proud. Even though he had left her side to pursue a fantasy, she still saw him like a son. She was still happy for him, in her own way, and glad to have him return home safely. Knowing that she had not finished, Halcyon remained silent stood up, wincing slightly as the movement stretched his fresh scabs, and gave her his full attention.

Andras was mentioned, the wolf who had started Iblis hatred for the demons of Iromar, and Halcyon nodded in respect. He had known nothing of his father’s old grudges and the once leader of the moors was to be honored by those who called the land home. Athine continued, speaking of her time as Empress but the conversation took a turn the russet boy did not expect. Eyes widened in both confusion and surprise as the queen, herself, willingly stepped down from her throne to pass the crown to him. Too stunned to speak for a moment, Halcyon simply stood and stared at the bigger wolf.

Reality came crashing down and he found himself nodding. "If this is what you wish, than I will humbly accept. I know now where I belong, where I have always belonged. Iromar is my home, the wolves here are my family and I will always be loyal to them. I want to protect them and help them grow, much as you did for me. Thank you, Athine. You believed in me when no one else did. You took me in, raised me as your own, and gave me a life worth living. I would not be here today if not for you and for that, I will always be grateful. I only hope I can be as great a leader as you have been." Limping forward, the new king of Iromar moved towards the female and did something he had never done before. He lowered his head under her chin, and offered a wolfish hug. It was a private moment, just the two of them, and something he had known he should have done a long time ago.

When the embrace was finished, the younger wolf stepped back and offered a smile. "I have one request, if that’s okay. Would you please act as my advisor? Help me lead Iromar as the others had in days gone by. Teach me to be a true king." Truth be told, he was not ready. He was still young and had so much to learn. But he was willing. He had found himself and his place in the world. And it was all thanks to the wolfess standing before him now. With that smile still on his face, he waited for her reply.