With Burke's patrols being daily, Malice spent most of her morning in her new home alone. This had been fine the first few days, since she barely knew anyone, and the one's who she did know didn't quite like her. Kendra was nice though, but Malice avoided searching for her, just like Cicero, too afraid to bump into Nemesis. But this one particular morning, while she could still walk, she had grown bored out of her mind. The fear of her former followers hating her for what she'd done haunted her daydreams, as well as her unconscious, and she hated the feeling she had done something wrong. and maybe she had, though she didn't like admitting it. But she had not only chosen for herself, she had chosen for her children and the mental well-being of Burke. Surely she wasn't at all selfish, was she?

While the sky was still a fiery orange, fluffy pink and purple clouds making a beautiful sight that almost couldn't be seen inside the dark woods that were now her home, she left the den, her tail dragging motionless behind her. She went to search for the one wolf who could beat some sense into her, just like she had done all those moons ago, Nemesis. Though Malice doubted Nemesis would like seeing her, even with the somewhat friendly attitude she had had while Judas and Mitanni were at the Greatwater Lake, she was the one she was looking for.

She followed the dark woman's scent, not even trying to see where she was going in this maze of woods, nose on the ground trying to sniff out Nemesis, the beater of sense.

Malice could see this situation how Nemesis saw it, and understood her hostility toward her. Perhaps they had started off on the wrong foot from the very beginning, but even if that hadn't happened Malice could see why Nemesis wasn't happy to have her around. This was her home- well, their home now, and she loved this place dearly, Malice could tell. She had stolen the affection of her alpha, had infiltrated her safe heaven without a pardon and was now living among them (Even though most of her time was spent in Burke's den). But was this the time to be mad at each other?

She had to step up, show she was worthy of even the slightest of glances from the other woman. She was no wimp, she was not a Moonlit Wolf, she was not one of them. And she certainly wasn't her father that could hardly socialize with anyone. Her head lifted, ears now not draped against her skull anymore, tail slowly wagging, hitting the insides of her legs. There was a glint of determination in her yellow eyes as she received Nemesis' words. No. She answered, learned from the most stoic of wolves, Burke himself. Her gaze softened. She knew Nemesis was doing her best for the Dark Brotherhood, and she could somewhat appreciate the other woman for that. Listen, Nemesis, I know my apologies won't cut it, but know I am truly sorry for our first conversation- if you could even call it that. She sighed. She couldn't quite give speeches like Burke.

But I would love to learn your ways, that of the Brotherhood. I am now also you're follower, so please, lead me, lead us. She added with a hopeful face. 

I am as naive as the Moonlit Wolves have taught me. She answered truthfully. Moonlit Hills had been a big part of her life, it was what had shaped her after her exile. If only she had never met Cogitemus, if only her father had picked another mate to bear her, everything would've been fine. But it wasn't at all fine. Moonlit Hills had turned her to shit, she was certain of it. Where was the stuck-up bitch? Could she be both? It wasn't a secret that she had stopped calling herself the Dark Queen, both in her head and to others, but was that side still somewhere there, hidden under her scar perhaps?

Malice knew full well she wasn't a leader anymore. She had honestly never been one. For what was a leader without followers that listened? It was the reason her tail had been lowered, though her knowledge of body language was poor. Affirmative. She sighed, her ears now lowering too. This was the closest thing Nemesis would get to submission, for if she didn't act like a beta to her, she wouldn't get the respect either. All Nemesis had done since her arrival to this point was just being angry toward her, and Malice had took it, for she knew she would be wasting breath if she growled back. And if all she could do was be angry instead of giving advice, Malice would keep treating her like Nemesis. Nothing more, nothing less.

Malice sighed again. Perhaps she had indeed grown as naive as the Moonlit Wolves. How had she ever thought that she would get something out of Nemesis? It seemed everyone in the Dark Brotherhood was unapproachable except for Burke, and even that sent shivers down her spine. Her gaze found the ground again, clearly disappointed in both herself and Nemesis. Fair enough... 

For a moment, Malice was confused. She had no idea who Nemesis was talking about. She had only heard a small portion of the woman's life that was Sebastian's mother, but then it hit her. Nemesis really thought Burke was going to replace Sebastian's mother. That wasn't the plan for Malice, if she even had a plan! Was this what was bugging Nemesis the most? Thinking that she, the nooby alpha and now preggie softy, could ever replace someone as wonderful, as Sebastian had put it, as Burke's former mate? Nonsense. I have never wanted to become her. Don't you even dare think that I will ever harm you, your family or Burke. Don't you even dare think I have malicious plans for this pack, because weirdly enough, I like it here! Malice panted. She was getting angry again, something that would not help her in a conversation with Nemesis. Her yellow gaze almost spat fire, though Malice -un-like Nemesis- could control her rage.

After some heavy panting from how worked up she had gotten, she calmed down, falling onto her bum and then followed it by lying down. She tried not to weep, for every single emotion that had ever been experienced by her had been doubled. She had so many conflicts going on inside her head that it hurt, and surely that wasn't good for her pups.  

Malice did not blame the Moonlit Wolves for her softness. Well, at least not 100 percent. It was Cogitemus fault. He had turned her into... into THIS. A weeping ball of emotions and stress. Perhaps Nemesis was right, that she wasn't worthy of being here and was only here because Burke somewhat liked her, though she would never ever say this out loud to her Beta. Malice liked to believe everything was for a reason, that when her father had exiled the Dark Brotherhood was already her fate. She was a deep thinker, actually trying to find her place in the universe. Perhaps that was what got her interested in the stars in the first place. Or perhaps it was because Avalon had had such a passion for it.

It had been a secret that she knew of Sebastian's mother, though now she knew she had spilled the beans. She was surprised to hear no remarks upon it from Nemesis, as if she cared more about her mental well being than what she knew and didn't knew. For now, she had silenced the rambler that was Nemesis. It looked like they both had nothing else to say. And what was there to be said? They were just stuck with each other, and somehow they had to find common ground or else both their lives would be as broken as they were now. And Malice was determined to find that common ground.

Nemesis found her voice again -omfg, she really couldn't shut up, could she?-, and Malice stopped weeping, slowing down her breathing to hear her words better. Well, she had found common ground at last. Nemesis was living with guilt, a lot of it, much like Malice herself. They both had one wolf, maybe more, that they had hurt in their wrong doings. They had hurt their families with not knowing better, not doing better. Malice lifted her head to look at the Beta. I am not defeated, merely shaken. The words left her lips with a lot of determination for someone who had just lost their shit. Perhaps all Dark Brotherhood Wolves had problems expressing their emotions. Maybe, because Malice knew quite well how to deal with them, she wouldn't fit in.

If that was the stereotypical Dark Brotherhood wolf though, emotionally broken, rough on the outside but a sweet potato on the inside, Malice fit right in if she toughened up a bit. She lifted herself off the barren ground, tipping her head, soon followed by her whole front body, down for Nemesis. It had been a sign of respect at Lucifer Peak, and it would be for Malice until the day she died.

For now, Malice was indeed dependent on Burke and his followers, but that would be temporarily. Once she could prove herself, once she was rid of these furballs in her fat belly, she would show them all she could do something. She was able to lead a whole pack alone after the grief of Cogitemus leaving. She was independent and a hard worker, and no one could say otherwise. You'll see. She mumbled softly. Malice knew herself that she was capable, she had proven herself to herself and that was all that mattered. 

What came next, left her speechless. No... Burke wasn't so cruel. She knew him, right? Never in a million years would he do that to her. Not after all this, not after going out of his way. He cared, he had to! But now she was doubting his feelings for her. Her feelings of love were genuine. Secret, but pure. Surely some of her affection had changed the man. She stared blankly at the floor, but tears did not come. Nemesis was lying. She always lied. You're lying... She muttered. 

Malice could understand why they were against her being here, but Burke? He was like the best leader ever. I would. She said determined. 

Malice had a past filled with training and learning. Sure, she had no trades yet, but was determined to get them as soon as she could. She could read the stars like no one she knew except for Avalon, and he was all the way back at Lucifer Peak. No one could say she had no skills. Trades did not define one, it was merely what inspired one to do what they do best. More than enough to know better. She replied calmly. Burke, though the rest might think different, was a pure one without a doubt. 

I am Malice Lanius, though I thought you knew. She spoke clearly and without hesitation. Ranks did not matter in knowing. Perhaps in ranks Nemesis was closer to Burke, though mentally she was probably way off if she believed Burke would betray Malice.

Malice was not determined to go against this pack at all. She wanted to work with them. but if push came to shove, clearly she would try. Not alone though, never. Burke would be on her side... Hopefully, and maybe even Kendra and Cicero. If not, she would leave as soon as her kids could walk, with the father or without. She would not go back to Moonlit Hills, that would be amazingly stupid and weird. She would be a loner, with only her children to comfort her in her loss of a true home. And all because Little Nemmy and Dammy didn't like her.

Malice ignored the cursing, though she felt a small ache going through her body as she resisted calling her rude things too. She was above that. Hatred against hatred became destruction and destruction only brought death and misery. Instead, she stood there, eyes calm and posture all the same. A true friend would support one in whatever they did. Malice stated. That was maybe why Avalon had not been a true friend. He'd rather save his own ass and his spot at Lucifer Peak. That was also why the Moonlit Wolves were no true friends. And if the nicest beings Malice had ever met weren't friends, than Nemesis was even below enemy.

The daughter of Lucifer snorted, pulling herself together and bowed one more time before her leader. she did not lack matters, not even in a conversation with the one who she truly disliked. After, she got up and walked a few steps away from Nemesis in the direction of Burke's den. No, she would not tell him about this, but she did feel tired. To even try befriending Nemesis had been a mistake. I know all that comes out of your mouth is utter bullshit... She whispered to herself, soft enough for Nemesis to not hear. Old habits died hard. She waited for another moment for if Nemesis had anything more rude comments to make, and then departed. It was no use, none whatsoever.