a life full of lemons makes for sour lemonade

Iolaire was right there with her, despite the time that lingered between them Belle found herself fitting perfectly beside the small woman’s frame. They were both changed by their time apart, in ways that they would never return to how they once were. Scars were left that would never fade. Deathbelle leaned on Iolaire because she had become her strength and bravery. Deathbelle had lost so much of the power that she had once wielded. Even her physical power was diminished, not just the rank she had once held or her dominion over the Empire she raised. The once Empress was a sad shadow of the woman she had once been, and if she didn;t have Iolaire her life would look much different. She wouldn’t have been here, she wouldn’t have found a hint of a spark, she would have continued down a short path to destruction, Sirius’s command or no.

The pair of them wouldn’t have to wait for very long before her daughter appeared before them. First impressions brought a painful sense of pride to Deathbelle’s breast. Venom looked like the picture of health and confidence, but there was something else. A sorrowful connection that a mother would never wish to see. She knew the pain of losing her mate and support in this world, and as Venom approached her troubles were scarcely hidden. The scent of her royal husband was gone.

More than that was missing. By all rights Venom should have kept her grudge after Deathbelle had abandoned her post and left the pack in Venom’s young but capable paws. None of that animosity remained in her gaze as she greeted the two of them softly. "Venom I…” Where did she even start? Maybe there was really only one place. "Forgive me.” It was a request she needed to ask of all of her children. Deathbelle hung her head and closed her eyes, humbled before her daughter and Empress as she sought redemption.

"Deathbelle & Iolaire"