i want to swallow the sun before it can swallow us

If Theory was gone for an extended period of time, she knew it was for good reason. Nothing could tear her from her children, nor herself; her devotion had been consistently proven since they'd reunited, and she had no reason to doubt her. If not for their children, she might wonder why she hadn't gone without her, but she knew the promise they'd made to one another was unspoken- their primary goal was to ensure their children reached adulthood and were properly self-sufficient. No, not just self-sufficient, but flourishing, surpassing both of their abilities.

Both of their parents running off on some adventure wasn't conducive to that objective. One would always have to remain here, close to the majority of them, especially while they were still children.

Still, her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Theory. Something terrible is happening, she started, biting her tongue against the urge to command her to speak more quickly. Was it their children? Was Avalon being threatened? Her stomach clenched with worry as she listened to her mate's tale, explaining how far she'd gone to follow the scents of Corvus and Jay.

What she explained almost didn't register to her as real. "This was a dream?" She asked, hoping, praying that it wasn't exactly what Theory was describing it as. Maybe if she hoped hard enough, she'd come to realize that this was all just a strange nightmare. A creature, as tall as the cliff, leaving destruction in its wake. Like nothing these lands had ever seen. Even the long night couldn't compare to this. She licked her lips nervously, though she felt the blood rush from her face at Theory's final admission.

Corvus, slain. Not just slain, but eaten.

In their world, wolves were the top of the food chain, but this shook things up. This... was something else entirely. Related to the strange spires that had appeared to the west of their homelands, and the tremors, no doubt.

"Oh, Theory," she breathed, with as much empathy as she'd probably ever mustered for anyone. There was no mistaking the love she felt for the other woman- it oozed out of every pore as she leaned forward, hoping to stabilize her as she reclined shakily backwards. She knew Theory needed her now, and she would be her rock, she would guide her. "We'll find Corbie, tell her what's going on. We'll call our children, and instruct them to stay within Avalon's lands for now, until we learn more, unless they're supervised by us and us alone, no exceptions," she decided with finality.

Despite her relatively calm outward demeanor, inside she felt her emotions rocking tumultuously. She was afraid, deeply afraid- she hadn't known much about Theory's cousin, but she knew he'd do anything for his family, and if he thought to throw himself at such a monstrous thing she feared what that meant. How many lives might be claimed in trying to destroy it. If it could even be destroyed. She gulped hard, silently.

"I... I don't know what this means, but I know He will show us soon enough," Thalia breathed, hoping to steady the only quiver she felt rising in her voice. Unless these creatures were sent from Him, or worse- some kind of theophany. It would almost make perfect sense that the physical manifestation of Abraxas would be something so malicious, something fueled by pure malice. The Fallen God was known for just that, or so she'd been taught.

The thought struck a chord of fear in her heart. She needed time to think, to pray, to understand, before she came to any conclusions.

"I think you need to lie down and rest. You don't look so well," she said gently, moving to help her inside their den and settle in on the bed of furs they'd accumulated since making this place their home. "My love- I am so sorry," she nearly whispered, her nose pressed firmly to Theory's cheek. She wasn't capable of feeling much for the wolves who had lost their lives to this creature, but Theory's pain... in that moment she'd do anything to take away her raw anguish.