let us live, since we must die

Sore muscles ached and pained as the brute made his way home. A long day of sparring, patrolling, and even a bit of hunting left Incubus as tired as can be. He knew the pain was a physical sign of progress, but that did not make it hurt any less. What would make him feel better is some tea made by his lovely mate and maybe he'd be able to convince her to give him a massage. The idea caused a tiny grin to flick at his lips. He looked forward to seeing her at the end of each and every day. Inc even made it a point to pop in and check on her progress with the Apothecary throughout the day because he couldn't seem to get his fill of her.

It wasn't long before Incubus moved through the threshold of the den. Pale eyes flicked from each corner of the room as he discovered the Riva wasn't home.  He figured she was likely out on a herb hunt or whatever else the little healer may do. Thus, he moved towards their cooking station to light a fire to make his own tea. Upon approaching the table those pink and blue eyes took in the sight of an unfinished tea cup resting on the surface. Once again, Inc brushed it off and carried on. But, as he turned to light the fire something blue took his focus. Riva's ribbon hung on a makeshift hook. Incubus squinted at the tendril of cloth for a long minute. His skin prickled with anxiety and a small shiver of worry flew down his spine. She never leaves without her ribbon...

Inc's heart pounded in his chest as he tore his eyes away from the ribbon, only to look over to the unfinished cup of tea. A small snort of agitation left his nose as the brute began to pace around the den. Slowly he circled in deep consideration and contemplation. The clues led him to believe she left hastily, in a rush. He hadn't heard any howls for help while performing his duties, nor did he smell any scents of another Wolf that may have come by to ask for help..

Incubus quickly slunk out of the den and into the clearing in front of it. His eyes were sharply pointed down at the ground looking for unfamiliar paw prints with his mouth hung open to allow any strange scents to land on his tongue. Another snort flew from his nose as he came up short. No sign of a struggle, no other smells... She left on her own accord in a hurry. Incubus stomped back inside and began the pacing once again.

His skin was hot and his breathing was ragged at this point. Incubus was not fearful of her having left him to spend time with another or anything of that sort. He trusted her with everything he had. But, the fear of her mental health and the potential of her getting into that dark head space again... It was consuming him. Upon their first meeting he had saved her life and now he was so incredibly scared of repeating that. Or... being too late. - Incubus stopped the pacing and took in a long breath. Agitation bubbled deep within him in those moments. Agitation with himself and with her for not telling him she was going to go somewhere. In efforts to calm down Incubus oved towards their bed of furs. The slinky dark male laid down with his head pointed towards the door. Narrowed eyes watched the doorway as he did exactly the opposite of calm down... He stewed in anger and panic. Incubus determined if she was not back by the time the moon was high in the night sky he'd go find her...