The scent was still fresh, only a few hours old. Halcyon’s nose hovered over the trail for a moment longer as he pondered what to do next. He could follow it, it wouldn’t be hard, he could track her down by the end of the day. But… it was clear she didn’t want him to.Idrisa was conflicted, torn between a world she wanted and the one she left behind. He wanted to find her, comfort her, and bring her home. Would she allow him to do that? The last time he had tried to bring one of his lost children back, it resulted in a painful betrayal and a year of recovery. The scars from that battle riddled his russet fur. With a sigh, Halcyon lifted his head and gazed in the direction his daughter had gone. Then, he turned and walked away.

A bitter wind flew past him, ruffling his coat and chilling his skin. Winter was almost upon them. How he hated those harsh, freezing months. At least this season he wouldn’t be alone. Yami, as always, had been faithfully by his father’s side. Even though he was almost fully grown, he still shared a den with Halcyon. The older man chuckled at the memory of enlarging the den. The dark boy had taken after his mother when it came to his size.

The thought of his mate made Halcyon falter. His aimless wanderings came to a sudden halt as his thoughts went to his beloved. The pain he felt in his chest hurt more than any scar Blackthorne had given him. Cut deeper than any of the words Aspis had shouted at him that night. Her memory was growing faint. He missed the sound of her voice, the gaze of her eyes, the smell of her soft fur. Shaking his head, Halcyon did his best to cast the thoughts away as he continued making his way back to Taviora.

The day was growing long, soon it would be dusk. He didn’t want to be out when the bite of the night would take hold. With another sigh, the once proud alpha made his way back home with his head held low. Above him, a lone vulture circled overhead thinking the beast below was sickly and would soon be dead.