Phoenix Maplewood every tree a memory

so caught up in the memories, he didn't notice the wolf standing nearby until the first word reached his ears. aditya jumped nearly out of his skin, wheeling around with hackles rising, only to find the startled cry and snarl die in his throat as he faced his former brother-in-law—sunny.

sunny was one of the last wolves he ever wanted to see again; the guilt he felt in leaving the weight of a grieving pack on the boy's shoulders would never leave him. that, and he knew grayday's son was fond of coelacanth. they were family, in a way, through catori. and if dawn knew about his wickedness, certainly so too did sunny. he considered walking away, letting the words hit him like hailstones. . .but instead found himself rooted in place.

i didn't intend to leave forever, aditya said quietly, not as apology but. . .explanation, he supposed? there was nothing that could absolve his sins now. things took a turn, i lost myself, and i could not return. and i am sorry for that, sunny.