Silvertip Mountain I'm as real as you are

A bittersweet feeling of sadness washed over him at Grayday's words, sorrow for his packmate's depressed mood punctuated by some lightness he could not place. Perhaps relief for companionship in these dark times? He had no idea.

"I'll call you Gray," he said with a smile. "As for the loneliness, well, I know where you're coming from. Just know that we're here for you through your troubles."

Movement from behind distracted him, and he turned to find Anita padding into the cave, eyes bright in the dim light. Phocion gave her a pleasant nod, feeling his own sense of loneliness recede at the appearance of yet another wolf. "Hey, Anita," he greeted her, still smiling warmly. "Nice to see you."