The moment the words left Pine’s mouth, Halcyon felt the all too familiar feeling of the world falling around him. For the second time in his life, he had to endure the pain of losing a mother. The empress of Iromar, the wolf who had stolen him away from Death’s door and raised him into the wolf he was today, had died. It took everything he had to keep calm and listen to the younger Elite Guard tell him the events of the attack made by a wolf named Aranck. Halcyon knew nothing about this vagabond, but knowing his name gave him the same hatred and bloodlust that Jaidah had once given him before her untimely death. After their meeting, the two guards went their separate ways, she to the safety of the free lands, and he into the bowels of Iromar.

He had one thought on his mind now and nothing, not even the threat of the traitorous king, was going to stop him. He was no longer an official Elite Guard, but he sense of duty would not be stopped. There were two wolves he had to find. Lazarus and Aster. So many scents filled the swamps it was hard to pinpoint where the royal pups were. Carefully, Halcyon made his way around the pack, avoiding everyone. Some were old members of Iromar, wolves he had once shared a meal with. Some were new, unfamiliar and dangerous. Unsure of how old friends and new members would treat him should he be caught, the rogue wolf crept along, keeping his eyes peeled for either pup.

This was how he found her, laying sprawled on her side with blood caked along her throat. The sight of the powerful wolfess made the air catch in his lungs and a sob catch in his throat. Paying her his last respects, Halcyon moved to sit next to her and press his head into her dark fur. "Mom. Dad. Guide Praetor and Athine to the otherworld with you. Watch over them so they may watch over Aster and Lazarus…" It was then that he caught a familiar scent that seemed to put his heart at ease somewhat. Aster. She had been here and the trail was still fresh. Giving a final farewell to the fallen empress, Halcyon turned his back to Iromar and made his way towards the lost princess.

The sun had set by the time he found her. She was alone, without her brother, sitting by the bank of the once proud river. His heart broke seeing her in such a way, but if there was any wolf who understood what she was going through, it was Halcyon. Slowly, he moved towards her until he was at her side. No words were said. None needed to be. What could he possibly say that wolves tried to say to him when his own parents had been killed? Words were useless now. Instead, he pressed his head into her shoulder gently and offered a small, quiet whimper. He was here for her. She didn’t have to be alone. Her guardian had come and he would stay by her side however long she needed him to.