the wounds carved into her flesh throbbed, clotting even as they bled sluggishly. farant had asked for a pound of flesh, and katia knew she had been lucky to get off so lightly. her father had payed a much higher price, and for her safety. the woman felt like a failure - for all she had attempted to be a peaceful entity, she had caused her father physical harm through her actions. she should not have been so reckless in her attempt on farant’s life. had her father not been there - the diluted woman didn’t even want to think about what could have happened. as was, she could still remember the pressure of teeth at her throat, vividly remembering her father’s coat seeped with deep crimson blood, the first moment of wild panic in his face as he watched akuji’s teeth cut into her flesh.

her two toned gaze lifted to meet his as the weight of his stare became unbearable, words hanging heavy and choking in her throat. she knew his guilt must be a wild thing, monstrous and gnawing at him, but what could she say? that she would have let him take her life in the hope that he could have been freed from the demon that had been released from it’s prison? that the words she had shrieked even as he ripped into flesh and muscle had all been true? that when she told him she could love him, that she wanted to love him - monster and all - that she was being honest? it had been so easy to tell him in the heat in the moment, but the heavy silence between them was suffocating, forcing the words to stay where they were. she was not brave now that farant was dead, every bit of courage drained out of her and leaving her absolutely exhausted. the golden blood wanted to sleep, and preferably with her companion at her side. katia doubted that would happen, with all that lingered between them, but nearly crushed hope tapped a beat against her ribs.

the woman had no plans for the future now - not when for the past months had been spent worrying about what loomed over their heads - and she couldn’t find it in her to be concerned. she hadn’t taken a full breath since her father had told her she was betrothed to farant, and tor above, she just needed a minute. some of the remaining tension slipped away from her as they crossed into malignant felicity - only to return when motionless’ call rang through the air. her ear flicked at akuji’s curse, but she remained silent as she followed him towards the pack meeting. she could only imagine what a sight they made, caked in blood as they were. the royal in her in a tizzy over how she was presenting herself, but she was too exhausted to care. keen eyes took in akuji’s stoic mask and tall posture as he moved towards motionless and she snorted to herself as she followed at a slower pace. she came to his side as he spoke, narrowed eyes shooting towards him.

”akuji,” katia said, her tone warning. ”motionless,” she turned her attention back to the pallid alpha in front of her and gave her friend a tired, but friendly smile as she reached to put her nose to the other woman’s shoulder in greeting. ”it’s good to be back. perhaps we can chat in a few days time? there’s quite a bit to tell you,” she said as she retracted her maw from the other woman’s space, head tipped slightly in question.