Slowly, but surely, he was getting better. The worst of the illness had passed and the road to recovery lay ahead. Every now and then, Halcyon would find the energy to rest at the mouth of the den and watch the day pass by. Once, a mouse had dared to get close enough for him to snap at. Of course, he had missed but it showed he was still willing to hunt for anything that would provide nourishment. This day, however, he did not have the same energy. He rested within the day, feeling anxious for a reason he could not quite put a paw on. There was an air above Moladion, thick and heavy, that foretold of a storm. Everyone could feel it and it made all the wolves feel uneasy. It angered the alpha that he could not be out there, piecing the puzzle together and trying to find ways to make it all work out. To regain a peaceful existence like they had had when they first claimed Asteraia. But peace was a fickle thing that often came and went as new wolves came into power.

A voice called to him and he woke with a start. When had he fallen asleep? The light outside the den was less now and he wondered, not for the first time, how much time he had lost. It was a frustrating thing to be thinking so clearly one moment then fast asleep another. Realizing that the voice he had heard had come from Aster, he quickly let a small whine leave his muzzle. "I'm here, Aster." He wanted to say so much more, but that was all he could manage for now. He knew how hard this must be on his mate. If their positions were reversed, he would terrified of losing her just like he was sure she was of him. Aster was still young and having the weight of an entire pack placed on her shoulders may have been too much for her. He wanted nothing more than to be by her side again, but Fate had other plans.

With a great effort, Halcyon managed to rise to his paws and walked to the entrance of the den. There she was, just as beautiful as they day he realized he loved her. Softly, he nuzzled her neck, taking in her scent and holding it in his lungs for as long as he could. Sighing, he looked up at her and offered a weak smile. She looked healthy and strong, her coat shimmering in the fading light and her eyes bright, but somehow sad. Seeing this, his smile faded and he whined softly. Laying down so half his body was still in the den, he beckoned her to lay with him. "What's happened, my love?" He asked, his voice gentle and soothing.