Gained and lost

He caught the scent of her and heard the sound of her paws as she padded lightly into the room. But he didn't glance up, no matter how much he wanted to drink in the sight of her. He held the paper down with a claw, careful not to rip the parchment. He didn't stop Ignita when she pressed her head against his and read the note. He barely felt her kiss to his cheek. Everything felt odd, muted. He could feel the blood rushing past his ears. 


“I need to…” he stopped, paused, and took a soft breath. No. No, he wouldn't chase Spider down. They were an adult now, about to hit their second birthday. He'd had a gift crafted for them in the Hallows. He'd leave in their room. “One week. They get one week, and then I'm coming for them.” He growled. He needed to know those he cared about were safe. 


He turned to Ignite finally, capturing her with a paw to her shoulder and pulling her onto his lap. “You wouldn't get a week. You wouldn't get five minutes.” He snarled warningly at her, gripping his teeth to her neck. He didn't break the skin, just a warning nip.