The sun had sunk well below the horizon by the time Halcyon emerged from Solstice's den. His imprint had helped him immensely, allowing his spirit to heal from the pain it had endured over the last few weeks. She had provided him council and well wishes as he set off to put his plans into motion. The moon shone brightly overhead as his paws carried him across the plains. Before he left, however, he had to make one final stop.
Trotting over the hills, he finally came across an old den that had been caved in long ago, inside rested the skeletons of Tobias and Tick Tock. Resting in front were four, well placed stones. Staring at them now, he could see that the blood he and Aster had shed upon them had faded, but that didn't change what this place was. Iblis. Rhae. Aithne. Praetor. Each stone represented both Halcyon's and Aster's parents.
With a sigh, the last son of the first king of Asteraia lifted his muzzle to the stars and let forth a mourning howl. It carried on throughout the pack and died on a single, somber note. Wondering what his father would have done had he been in his son's place, Halcyon placed a paw upon the large stone and whispered a soft prayer. No matter what, he would get Aspis and Archana back. There was nothing in this world that would stop him, not even death.
The sound of approaching pawsteps made his ears flick back, but he knew who it was that would come to him. After all, Halcyon was a trespasser, even if his roots ran deeply into the soil of Asteraia. Standing, he turned around to face the large, white wolf with the respect he deserved. Bowing his head, he kept his tail lowered to show he was no threat. At one time, this would have hurt the russet wolf's pride, but that didn't matter anymore. His mind was focused on one thing, turning him into a humbled beast. "Good evening, my lord. I apologize for the intrusion on your land. I am Halcyon, the former alpha of Asteraia."