cauterize my heart

Aureus let the silence stretch out. He was used to it after all that time spent on his own and he didn't want to break his brothers train of thought, for he was certain Pyrrhic was thinking hard. He could almost feel the gears in his twins head turning. When at last Pyrr spoke, Aureus found himself nodding in agreement as his brother spoke of adaptability. Aureus had such a set idea of what Risen was, or what he thought it was supposed to be and when they'd suffered the loss of their father suddenly his vision was crushed with it. He hadn't been certain how to move forward after that.

Aureus felt a sting of guilt as his brother spoke on. Part of him felt that he should have stepped up but he had never had an interest in ruling the pack and of the three he felt his faith was the most shaken. He'd be the worst option. His mouth opened, he wanted to speak words of assurance but they dried up in his throat. He could barely reassure himself, what could he say to his brothers? He felt they were so much more focused, so much more mature.

His gaze rested on Eligos as his brother gently touched his shoulder and he stared in surprise as Eligos offered to take on leadership of the pack. "Of course, you're capable Eligos. But, is this something you truly want?" He glanced between Pyrrhic and Eligos, wanting to be sure they had a path forward, daring to hope he might find direction.

"I support both of you, whoever takes the pack. I know I've been a lousy brother, but if you'll permit me, I'd like to make it up to the pack and to you by being here for you."