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Manea made sure they were comfortable before Deimos pulled her away. Venom watched them curiously, but nodded slightly as the pair excused themselves. With guests here there could certainly be time to catch up once Venom had to depart. There was more to this than siblings catching up with each other. Still, Venom would be thankful for the time alone with her daughter. This would perhaps be the last few minutes of alone time they would have for a very long time. Venom’s heart clenched, this task was becoming much more difficult even than watching Hattori leave her or realized her own father was dead. Voluntarily relinquishing her eldest girl was tearing her apart inside.

The Empress sat closely beside Ikigai, reveling in the last few moments she was able to call the girl hers. The love mother had for daughter was indescribable, and letting her go to spread her wings to take her own path in the world. This was a necessary evil that Venom would have to make peace with despite the pain in her breast. While Menea and Deimos were occupied Venom kissed Iki’s cheek, her sunset gaze glittering with the emotions beneath. As much as she was saying goodbye to her daughter she was saying goodbye to the puppy she adored so much. Iki was a young woman, fully capable of this leap into adulthood and responsibility.

Venom leaned into Iki for a moment longer before Deimos offered a departing nod as Manea returned. Apparently Ikigai had impressed upon the older man, enough that he requested the young princess’ paw instead of Poe. Surprise flashed over Venom’s features before she was able to control herself. Deimos was even older than she was, and that fact alone made her uncomfortable. Venom tried not to pass judgment as Manea offered her own opinion on the subject. Despite his age she thought the pairing was a much better fit because ties to her line would be so much closer.

"If you believe this will be the best course of action I will not protest.” Venom started, her attention shifting to Ikigai to see if she held any concerns. This was her life, even if she had volunteered for such service to her pack she deserved to have her voice heard. This would be her future husband, the man she would be expected to spend her life with. Venom’s heart clenched again. "I do wish to voice my concern over the age difference.” Was all the blockade she would give.

"Venom"