Home is where the heart is

The king had indeed been asleep, but when that familiar howl cut through the silence of the night, he instantly awoke. Crimson eyes flashed open while he listened to the echoes of that howl, making sure it wasn't just a dream. But as the remnants of her call died and the world went silent again, he knew she was here. He stood, careful not to wake his kids as he went to find her. His pace was hurried, his chest tight with excitement and worry and fear. Was she okay? Had she been hurt? He knew she had gone to look for his former mate, and while he was grateful for her determination and service, part of him hoped she had failed in that endeavor. At this point, he didn't think he could look Heloise in the eye anymore. Despite how much he had loved her, her abandonment had torn his heart in two and even more at the thought of her abandoning her children. But when he saw Actaea, those thoughts melted away as he approached her. "Welcome home, Actaea!" He greeted gently, moving to wrap her in a hug. "It's good to see you again, I know Ignis will be thrilled," He grinned as he let her go, looking her over for signs of injury. She appeared fine, other than looking tired, that is. "Asides from the tired look in your eyes, you look well." He hoped she had been, anyway.