The tension in the air could have been felt by all who happened to be close by. Two wolves with the same goal, but different means, stood facing each other, neither one willing to back down. Undyne bristled and growled through exposed teeth, a final warning that Halcyon promptly ignored. He was older than her, more trained, and ready to take the prince away to safety. He wasn't about to let Aithne’s murderer keep her only son hostage! Returning the gesture, the smaller male allowed his own fangs to shine in the growing dawn. Hackles rose to their highest point to try and make him look even more intimidating in the vain attempt to get the other to back down. It didn't have to come to this! It's not what he wanted, but stubbornness and revenge concealed the clear path from him. By the end of this, someone was going to get hurt.

No other words were spoken. Undyne knew what he was here for and his stance was clear he was not leaving without the young prince. She lunged at him and, acting on pure instinct, he snapped at her. His teeth clacked together only a few inches away from her face. A dark growl oozed from his throat, which hid the sound of approaching paws. By the time the russet wolf knew he was in trouble, it was too late. The large, dark maltese colored male emerged from the shadows and stood before the two ex-guards in all his dominate glory. Halcyon turned to him and glared with as much hatred as he could muster. The traitor spoke, but his words fell upon deaf ears. The only thing Halcyon could see were those same teeth embedded into Aithne’s throat.

He had found her body when he had come searching for Aster, he had seen her blood spilling from the life ending wound. And here stood her killer. The moment Aranck leaned over Halcyon, something snapped within the wolf and he could no longer hold back. His mission had failed. Deep down, Halcyon knew he could not leave here with Lazarus, but that would never stop him from trying. Now, he had to escape with his life. There was no way the alpha was going to just let him leave! So, Halcyon made his move.

Lunging at Aranck, Halcyon aimed for his throat. He gave no warning, hoping that this attack would take the larger male by surprise. Of course, his real target wasn't the king. It was Undyne. The second Halcyon moved to attack, he knew she would be on him in a flash. Once his teeth snapped close to Aranck's flesh, he pulled away quickly to face the younger girl. She would come and he would have no choice but to attack. His teeth aimed for her face, hoping she would dodge. But he underestimated her willingness to protect the wolf she cared for most. Halcyon couldn't have known that his teeth would do so much more damage to the girl who was just trying to do her best to help. When this fight was over, it would be hard for him to forgive himself.