Distance managed to change things between them. Not to mention the fact that I was mated and there could never be anything more between us. Elohim had not asked it of me but it was an unsaid thing. He never would, I think, and I was grateful for that even if everything in my life had become skewered with each passing year. As a pup I had been so sure, so set on my goals. Then death happened. Murder, mayhem, upheaval. I had not risen to the task then but now - now I had to. It was the lives of my children that moved me. Aspis. Archana. My vibrant, bright embers who burned in the moors of Iromar. Once I got them back I would never set foot on the accursed land again.

There is comfort in being able to lay out my frustrations before Elohim. He had never let me shy from them. He had always pushed and pushed even to the point of making me snap yet it is why I found myself seeking him out. When my mind was muddled, I needed clarity, and left to my own devices I would flounder in fury, in darkness, but he would make me burn away those shadows. Reveal the truth.

It is not unexpected, the way he shows disdain for Halycon's intentions, and partly I agree with him. Then again, I was proud of my mate, even if I had accused him with silent daggers in my eyes. Halcyon would not stand idly by like I had done with Iromar. The only thing that kept me from battling against that Blackthorne was the fear of his harming my children and the safety of my two children in Taviora. I couldn't rely on others to always keep them safe. That had never worked and never would. "Safe enough," I agree offhandedly, my thoughts turned towards what needed to be done. Whatever Elohim thought of my current housing was of no consequence. He was my friend but I had insulted his father and Glorall did not seem a particularly safe place to me.

My eyes sharpen upon him, a sort of glare, but it eases into determination. "I want you to find him and help him. Help him get back my children. I cannot help him much or I risk the safety of Perun and Idrisa. Taviora might be safe but even the safest pack cannot prevent everything. Help him, Elohim, and I will be even further in your debt. I don't know what I can do but I will help you with whatever you need. Help him." The last two words are not pleading. They are demanding. Fiery, just as he liked me, just as I used to be. Beneath the dirt, the tears, the frustration, I was still a Queen. Born to be a ruler, daughter of Aithne, and never more so than in this very moment.