Sunspire Mountains praying like a fool who just shot a gun

He couldn't stand to be in his and Aquene's quarters without her or the twins. What once felt so cozy and maybe a bit cramped now felt cold and empty. And it was full of memories of what once was, the same memories that had kept him going—but now they only reminded him of what he had lost. His sons were gone to other packs, and his wife was out looking for him. He tried not to think the worst, but it was hard after what had happened to him. Sometimes the scars left behind by his captors seemed to ache. There were so many of them on his muzzle and along his shoulders. But the worst was down the side of his neck; that one had been deep and it was the one that bothered him the most. They were like constant reminders of what he had endured, and now he had constant reminders of what he had lost. 

The sun had set an hour or so ago as he finished up his last patrol. He was able to pour himself into his work during the day and avoid his feelings and memories. But the nights were rough. He often spent them in the highest parts of the canyon. He rarely slept, though; his thoughts were always too loud. Even now, he could hear Aquene's howl, spreading out over the canyon from somewhere in the distance. That was a new one. Apparently, he wasn't tortured enough already. Kallik's ear flicked towards the sound, and he realized then that it wasn't in his head at all. He shot to his feet, his heart racing and his blood surging through his veins, urging him to go to her. Aquene.

He still knew this part of the mountains well, and he was able to fly through the canyon and over the borders without thinking much about it. Her scent filled his nose and made his chest tighten. She was here. He pushed his muscles to go faster and they burned in response but he didn't care. Nothing was going to stop him from the reunion he had dreamed of so many lonely nights. 

Relief crashed into him as he finally saw her. He had missed her so much. He wasn't even mad that she had left; he understood. But the universe decided it was time for a win and had sent her back to him. Kallik didn't stop running until he was in front of her, pushing his face into the fur of her neck. He inhaled deeply, letting her scent fill his lungs and soothe his aching heart. "I'm so sorry, Aquene," he whispered against her fur.