we all survive in our own little ways

Deathbelle couldn’t show her weakness to the pack, though her tears flowed freely around her young brood. Sirius had seen the true emotion behind her, but she hadn’t wanted to bother anyone else with her grief. They knew what she’d lost. Some appeared to give their condolences, some stayed away in her time of mourning. Life went on, however much it pained her. Archon was gone, the world hadn’t stopped and she remained trapped in the mortal realm without him. Her heart ached.

She pushed him from her mind as she must, for her pack and the livelihood of her family. However much she wished to invoke his name and sob for her loss. She recovered enough to turn back to him without tear marks under her eyes. ”If you must,” she said with much more patience than she thought she had. Her paws, especially the claws, were really bothering her after the eruption. She was also exhausted, mentally and physically even if she wouldn’t admit it to herself.

She didn’t want to confront him, but as he spoke she thought he might not have need of the break at all. She knew her distress wasn’t invisible, but was her state to obvious? What was sweet was the thought of him calling for a break for her. ”I’m sure.” Belle added as he chuckled. She raised a pale brow in his direction, but felt herself gain better control of her cracking facade.