when you count the days

She did well to ignore the looming volcano most days, like today she hadn’t spared it a second glance. Some days though, she was caught by its shadow and the smell of sulfur haunted her always. She could feel her deceased husband here, and if she allowed it the grief might have dragged her away. Especially without Magnus beside her to chase away the dark feelings and difficult emotions. She knew that her pregnancy only heightened those feelings, and it seemed like every day had turned to a struggle. Belle half hoped today that Magnus might meet her here on the border, when she needed him the most and her heart was feeling broken. She felt like perhaps she hadn’t been pieced fully together since Iolaire’s soft arms had held her in place.

Sad thoughts were blessedly interrupted by the sound of pawsteps on snow and the once Empress brough vivid violet eyes to a man of Habari. She didn’t know his name, not that she knew many of the wolves beyond her kin here, but he was polite and took interest in her. The fallen goddess subtly hid away any turmoil that might have remained on introspective features as she smiled politely and chuckled at his words. ”A humbling experience, to be sure.” She replied softly, having long since realized the sense in hiding all that ailed her. Though packmates it was hardly polite for her to go on for the rest of her day complaining about her life.

”Deathbelle Klein, and to you as well.” She returned with a tip of her head. ”Out patrolling this evening, Eraithus?” Deathbelle replied, tilting her features and continuing on the path, expecting him to walk along with her.