Honey, I'm Home!

Although death hung over the pair like smog, they also shared a glittering warmth between them. Ephemeral but real: so close to being something that they could almost feel the tenuous connection developing between them, pulled taut like a single thread. ”I worry for everyone I care about. Constantly. I go to sleep worrying, I wake up worrying,” she murmured, closing her eyes and pressing her forehead harder against Thalia. ”It’s my curse,” Theory tried to laugh but the sound was flat. It was true. Being a leader - for her - was a constant state of low grade panic. Did everyone get enough to eat? Was everyone happy? Was something stirring beneath the surface of apparent calm, a terrible danger that she couldn’t possibly foresee? The wildfire and volcano had shaped her as an alpha. They wouldn’t be soon forgotten.

”I know you’re a woman of your word. But I also know that blood ties are strong. I can’t say I would have forgiven you if you stayed, but I would have… understood,” Theory said carefully. ”However, take as much time as you need.” She carefully untwined herself from Thalia and nudged her chin so that their eyes were locked. ”I have no intention of keeping you as a prisoner here. You are free to come and go, just like any other member of my pack. I just ask that you inform me next time.” Taking a wild chance, Theory gave her a light, chaste kiss on the cheek.