Neverwinter Forest Entered by the back door

The dwindling pack hardly holds Aibreann's attention these days; her only comforts are in her mate and her two remaining children. Even that seems tarnished now. It's impossible to miss the way all this tragedy has affected Mal; she's done her best to shelter her children, but she can't protect him the way she can them. The best she can do is stay by his side, keep him close.
So when he comes looking for her, she greets him as she always does; with a soft nuzzle and a kiss on the cheek. At some point there'd been a smile in there, too — before their sons disappeared. Now she can hardly find the energy for the expression. Hello, She greets softly, and then, tiredly, You know I love you, right?