growing pains [ASHEN MEETING]

For Spirit Destruction, adjusting to life within Ashen was a painstakingly slow process. He'd barely even left Gloom's side since they joined, and if he wasn't with her he was typically with their mother. But hearing Venom's call reminded him that he was not alone with his family anymore, and that he ought to try to integrate into the pack. Slowly, but surely. Quietly he made his way to the shrine, the lands still mostly unfamiliar to him. Navigating them was a slow process, made slower by the setting sun.

He was nearly late to arrive, immediately finding his mother and slinking in beside her almost silently. Spirit managed a weak smile as he leaned into his mother, though his attention soon fell to the Empress and remained there, waiting for her to speak.