Her scent is stronger here, he thinks — or perhaps that's only wishful thinking. The barren glade also bears evidence of a nearby pack, scents of many wolves who have passed through this area. Even if she were here, surely Kaala has moved on by now in search of her sister; he's certain it's too much to hope that she's finally decided to settle for the winter. Anxiety churns in his stomach at the thought, slowing him for a moment, but he swallows the feeling and presses on. There's nothing to be done about it — not until he finds her, anyway.
As if she's been summoned by his worrying, he crosses a painfully fresh trail a beat later and freezes immediately, ears pulling forward. He's certain this isn't his imagination — she's here somewhere. He turns without hesitation to follow the trail, quickening his pace as he draws nearer until the familiar fiery figure is in his line of sight. His stomach clenches tightly with emotion that does not reach his face. Kaala, He calls out, calm tone contrasting his racing pulse. He slows as he reaches her, heart twisting at the salty scent of tears, and he almost misses the pack scent wreathing her — but not quite. He has so many questions, so many things to apologize for, but suddenly he fears she will not welcome his reappearance. So he lingers back instead, only a scant few yards separating them. Somehow it feels as if there is an ocean between them in this moment.