She no longer slept in the same den. Nor did she sleep. She spent days on end moving uselessly through her empire. The wound across her chest was still healing, the slightly movements often tearing it open. Her limb had faded to be barely noticeable. She had returned from her visit to Abaven, not once making her presence known to anyone. Her gaze was hallow and unseeing. But it was the booming howl that would cause her gaze to spark to life. Her crown would lift from her paws, ears pulling forward for the first time in days. It couldn't be. Her brother had vanished without a word. What could possibly bring him back? Without a second thought, she was on her feet, rushing towards the sound. Her long strides would immediately tear open her wound, causing blood to drip down her chastened onto her forelegs. She would skid to a stop, several feet before him, coral gaze searching his face frantically.
For a moment she was silent, simply staring at him. "Demyan." Her voice was a whisper, barely audible as she rushed towards him, seeking to the close the distance between them. She sought to press her chest against his own, not caring if she smeared blood across his fur. She would bury her face in his neck, her body once trembling. It was like reliving that day all over again. The free all. Hitting the ground mercilessly. But most of all. The look on his face before he pushed her. She had no words for her brother. She couldn't explain her injuries, the way she trembled, or the lost look on her face. All she could do was inhale his scent, to feel his warmth. No mater where he went, or how long he was gone, she could always count on him to return just when she needed him. A shaky breath would leave her lungs, but she still didn't pull away from him. She needed something, someone, to ground her once more, to pull her back to reality.
