There's Nothing Lower Than Six Foot Deep

Deathbelle couldn’t know what was going on, the only facts she knew for sure were Iolaire was hurt and she was alone. She long lost the scent of the Armada, but more alarming was the absence of Roan’s scent. Belle felt her heart grow heavy. She was no stranger to loss and misery, and now holding Io she knew the dainty woman was experiencing both. There was life within her, though she was farther down the dark road than even Deathbelle allowed herself. Iolaire didn’t have pups to live for.

Jade gold eyes looked up to her, barely registering Deathbelle’s violet gaze. Her heart broke again as the ruined woman began to whine softly, realizing who it was that held her, before burying herself into Belle’s speckled fur and cried deeply against her chest. The once Empress held onto Iolaire more tightly, willing her sorrow away as she silently begged for her to return to her. She needed medical attention, physically, emotionally, mentally.. Deathbelle knew that she would do or sacrifice anything to bring life back into her beautiful eyes, the sheen back to her fur, and confidence in her stride.

”The world will not end. We won't let it.” She whispered softly, suddenly struck by the memory of one of their first conversations. They stood on the sigil where she and Archon had wed, it seemed like the Volcano would blot out the sun forever. But Iolaire had looked up to her and said those words, and that had been the moment Deathbelle fell in love with her. Belle held onto her shoulders and wrapped her neck around Io’s protectively. She could cry for as long as she wished, and Deathbelle joined her. They were tears of sorrow for all that was lost, but joy that Io was again in her arms.