Since Burr's death, there had been a silence in the family. The sight, when they had come across the blood and the intestines, it plagued him at night - violent, dark images that haunted his mind when darkness fell. However Mawk did not cease to do his duties, still stuck to his routine of patrols in the early hours of the morning and during the late afternoon. The occasional nightmares hung like a lingering shadow but he did his best to continue onward, a calming stroll aiding in soothing his nerves and settling the dark thoughts. It was a loss that had pained both parents, one that would not ever be forgotten. 

Today he had believed would be simply another day, and as his paws drifted across the snow he found himself taking slow, deep breaths, stilling under the shade of a tree only to breathe, to allow his gaze to wander. The man caught sight of Illecebra, his mate, and remained silent for a moment, watching from afar - it was in his nature to wish to draw closer, to bring whatever comfort he could to this fiery woman, but the flame had been dampened and it was such a heavy loss. After a few heartbeats of hesitation he did start his small journey closer, to close the distance between the pair so that he could embrace her only to pause at the scent of a fox. His brows creased with confusion, moving forward until he could spot his mate cooing at the small creature, the mention of Burr catching like a snare in his chest, and he remained frozen in the snow for a while longer. "C....Cebra?"

The anger in which was returned to his approach startled the man and he took a step backward with his body tensed in confusion and prickling worry. There was a moment of silence, and Mawk took this opportunity to assess the situation, though it brought him only confusion. Indeed his vision had been correct and what he had seen was not a mirage formed from the sadness of his son's death - his mate really was here, standing before a fox cub and defending it as if it was her own blood. The gamma's tongue drew out to sweep uncertainly across his lips, eyes glimmering with various thoughts and mixed emotions. A side of him was fearful, anxious of what was to come of his mate and her... whatever her mind had come to, another side was sorrowful when he came upon the sight, and another was angry. Angry because something was wrong with his wife and he had no idea how to fix it. Her words struck a nerve and he felt his heart sink - oh no. 

"Ah... Cebra..." His gaze trailed to the innocent youth, and he frowned. His angel seemed so happy, and she placed the cub just in front of his paws. "That... that isn't Burr. That's not even a wolf." Internally he cringed, stressing over what Illecebra's reaction would be to his words - if she truly believed this was Burr, it was likely she would not take it well. "That's a fox, my love." Mawk attempted to draw closer to lick gently at her cheek if she was to allow it, hoping he could ease any anger she had after his statement.