He could see the strength slowly returning to Malleah and it gladdened him to see that. He also saw the darkness there still sometimes. He knew there was still something she was hiding from him but as always, he would never push her for it. When she was ready to talk, she would tell him. Until then, he would continue to love her unconditionally. Today she was in a good mood, grooming Lucia and asking what she'd been up to. Lucia was always so tolerant of the grooming, not fighting it like most other children. She almost seemed to enjoy it. He saw it as a good bonding experience between mother and daughter so he smiled when he saw it. He listened from outside the den as Malleah cautioned Lucia about playing by herself but he knew that Myrria was never far behind. Even though they had their issues with each other, he knew she was protective over Lucia so he never worried about her too much when she ran off on her own.

Hearing this new name, Aeon, had him thinking Lucia must have run into another puppy from somewhere. He only wondered if they were a pack wolf that snuck out or another loner. Maybe the gypsy pack that Masque was telling him about before? His ears flickered uncertainly, but he smiled to hear Lucia talk so fondly of this Aeon. He was about to walk in when he heard Lucia speaking more of her "best friend" as she called him, saying he smelled of water and salt. Glorall. It had to be. His nose wrinkled at the thought of pack wolves being aware of her. At least it wasn't Iromar, he thought to himself. And she mentioned that he spoke a different language and Exodus' ears flattened at the thought. So this Aeon had to be related to assassins. Latin was the only other language he'd ever really heard in Moladian. He knew the alpha of Glorall, Eden, was born and raised in Diveen. Could the boy be related? A son or nephew or something?

But he knew he needed to make his entrance so he went inside, loving on Malleah first to remind her, like always, that he was here for her. She embraced him right back, the love shining in her eyes enough to brighten even the worst day for him. But Malleah spoke of her concerns with the Aeon boy, asking if Lucia was old enough for a boyfriend and he coudl see that their daughter didn't understand what she meant. Lucia tilted her head in puzzlement, asking if she could have a girlfriend but that she still wanted to keep Aeon around too. She look so sad that he couldn't help but scowl with sadness himself and give Malleah a pitiful look as well. "Can she keep Aeon? And do you know of any female pups we could introduce her to? How can you say no to that face?" He was of course talking about Lucia but batted his own eye lashes and stuck out his bottom lip, mimicking her, though his eyes were twinkling with amusement.

Exodus_male_10 years_41in_195#_loved by Malleah_unable to imprint_father of Lucia_loner