As much as I ever could

Epiphron had scarcely examined the land that lay before her. If she had, she would've been stunned by the vastness of the Seracian territory, for it reminded her remarkably of home. But the girl's attention was on things other than the scenery. In less than two seasons, the Seracia pack would arrive at her home for the wedding of Chrysanthe and Maverick -- then they would return to live here, as husband and wife, someday as King and Queen. Epiphron's loyalties lay firmly with her family, and the thought of betraying her sister had never crossed her mind. Epiphron knew her sister would grow to enjoy Maverick's company; even if love did not flourish, surely a strong partnership would. She ought to hope for the best for them, she needed to expected that they truly might fall for one another, but she was finding it impossible to imagine anything beyond their mutual coexistence. Anything more was simply too painful for the young girl to bear.

Her blue gaze searched the distance, wondering who exactly lurked beyond the horizon. Luck seemed to be on her side that evening, at least for this one small thing. If she'd been greeted by an unfamiliar face, the girl would've held her head high and refused to let the invisible crown slip. But the very sight of Maverick's approach made her posture slump considerably, as though a heavy weight had been placed upon her shoulders.

He knew. Epiphron saw it in his eyes, in the vacant orbs that stared back at her, so devoid of the fire that she'd sparked in them less than two weeks before. Even though he'd been angry with during their last reunion, still passion had burned behind his emerald stare, but it seemed to have been quelled by the solemn news of his upcoming marriage. Her own jaws parted slightly as she searched for the words to say. Instead, a mere whimper escaped her throat, a pathetic sound that said more than words ever could. This was all so completely out of their control, and both of them knew that questioning the choice of their families was out of the question. There was no need to cater to two lovesick children when something as important as this alliance was on the line.

"Don't worry about me being here..." she started in low tones, knowing very well the source of his confusion and worry. "I'm sorry, I just needed to see you." Slight shame painted her pretty face, her head bowing in an attempt to avert her gaze from him. The Valhalla girl searched for the words to say, but she came up with nothing. Pained as would redirect towards Maverick, taking a single step forward before stopping suddenly, as though she was being held back. Though the wedding had yet to happen, this boy was practically Chrysanthe's already. The Seracian prince was off-limits to her and whatever displays of affection she felt overwhelmed to lather upon him. "I... I've been promoted, Maverick. I'm Alpha female of Valhalla." The words were clumsy and unfamiliar, and the words were spoken bluntly with little hint of pride. Yes, she certainly was proud of that, but that feeling was masked currently by something that seemed curiously like heartbreak.

There was so much more to be said, but her lungs clenched painfully in her chest as she took in a deep breath of air, willing herself to remain steady on all four paws, grounded and calm.