Sparrow felt such a mix of emotions that she almost felt numb as she made her way back to face Malleus. She wasn't worried about what she would say to him, rather she worried whether or not he would keep his word. She had many questions for him that she hoped he would answer.

Sparrow couldn't swallow the deep hatred burning in her gut, but she couldn't let her personal feelings get in the way of protecting her pack. Sparrow shook herself, took a deep breath, and called out to Malleus. He should still be somewhat nearby, Sparrow figured.

She waited, reminding herself to breathe deeply and to keep her cool.

She totally wasn't keeping her cool.

The thick, deciduous trees that lined the river offered excellent cover for the lurking demigod. Malleus had kept close to the pack as he waited for Sparrow's response. He'd slept little since their conversation, but his spirits were high and his excitement kept fatigue at bay. He would do his father proud. The outcome today, no matter what it was, would further the Abraxas campaign. Either they would add another jewel to their crown or they would make an example of the Abaven wolves and Boreas would quake before them. There really was no in between; even war would be in their favor. Malleus slipped from the shadows and padded towards Sparrow. His head was held high; his bearing regal and fearless; let them attack him if they dared. If he fell today there would be dozens in his place in a heartbeat. And they would come for Abaven. He stopped just shy of the border and regarded Sparrow coolly. She looked ragged. Resigned. Now whether or not that meant she was going to capitulate he couldn't say. It was entirely possible her pack had decided to resist and she, knowing she wouldn't survive the ordeal, had accepted her fate. This was not a pleasant situation so Malleus saw no need to bother with pleasantries. He rumbled, "Have you reached a decision?"

As the large male appeared, Sparrow fought to keep her expression flat. She swallowed the urge to growl and forcefully relaxed her haunches. Sparrow licked over her lips to keep them from curling and wrinkling her nose.

"Have you reached a decision?" Malleus asked coolly. Sparrow could have snorted.

"We will comply," Sparrow said, guarded. "Both parties are to adhere to this agreement."

Her mind worked around in circles as she tried to figure out what else she could do. Standing in front of Malleus now, she knew this was the best way to avoid injury or death to her packmates and herseld, but it still didn't feel right.

"So are you planning on occupying now or later?"

Ah, so they'd decided to bow to the Empire. A wise choice. Time would tell if the Abaven wolves had really capitulated. Malleus expected resistance sooner or later, but that hopefully was a problem for another day. He'd have to speak with Archon about it. A coordinated effort on their part should quash whatever resistance they could muster. "Both parties are to adhere to this agreement." In response to this he nodded once firmly. That was a given. He would personally deal with any Abraxas who disobeyed, although he doubted it would come to that. As far as he was concerned no true Abraxas would knowingly weaken the collective's grip. As for when they were going to occupy Abaven... "Now." There wasn't much more to say, was there? Without another word he turned and began to make his way back into the shadow. -exit?-