There is silence between us as we stare. Well, some silence since I was practically panting from my adrenaline, my emerald eyes snapped on to his with hope. Love, trepidation. Hell, I could probably sum up every emotion known to wolf-kind in this one moment. I felt sure after a few seconds he would tell me to go. Or he would just turn tail and leave me, as I had left him, and I wilt a little. My ears fall to the sides, my head tucking slightly into my chest as I lowered myself imperceptibly down an inch.

Then, as if in a spell, he steps forward and licks my cheek. I groan, deep and loud as I close my eyes and lean into it. Take in his scent, so earthy and full of the trees and dirt of Taviora. Full of his own smell that I once carried with me. I nuzzle back roughly, almost too exuberant, and dig my chin into his neck as he wraps a leg around me and tucks me close. I am larger than him but it has never come between us. Even smaller, he has always been a fighter. I suppose we had both been quitters in life and I am glad, so glad, that in this moment I know I am forgiven.

By him at least.

I notice the way his eyes look past me for a moment, sadness in them, and I turn my head back after we have split from our snuggle. I don’t see anything but I sense it in my chest, a sort of knowing. This wasn’t over. It shouldn’t be. I had more than just Halcyon that I needed to mend with. My children, to start, the very things I had failed in life to protect.

For now, I would focus on him. His smile is met with a brilliant one of my own even if I have a hard time seeing his what with all the water suddenly drizzling into my eyes. I blink rapidly. How sweet Halcyon has been with me, after our words of anger, after everything. I can’t help the tears that leak out even though my tremulous voice answers him: ”Lonely. I have missed you. I am sorry, Halcyon. More sorry than you can know.” I lean forward, brushing my muzzle against his again, gently, leaving the imprint of my tears on him. A gift of my sorrow, my stupidity.

”What of you, my love.. my mate?” I tack on the end, almost a question, because even if he missed me or loved me, things could have happened in-between. But I wanted confirmation we were still us. Still a team, even if we had been split for a bit. I would take care of us first then I would find the children. I would mend us. Somehow.