Razorback Ridge when the stars collide

Patrolling was his only real respite from his constant worry. He had no idea where his family was; he had failed them and now who knows what might be happening to them. Nanuq was gone; he still needed to make a trip to Paleo to see if Siku was still there. Every day he woke up alone, he was reminded how he had no control. He was riddled with anxiety and guilt, and he would give anything just to see Aquene or his sons again. Having even part of his family back might make the days less torturous. 

Kallik had been patrolling the southern edge of the territory, following the valley as it curved, eventually making his way up the western border. Things had been quiet so far, and he had found it easy to get lost in his work, using the focus to escape his feelings—it had always been his way. 

He picked up Aquene's scent first and thought he was imagining things. But the closer he got to the ridge that overlooked the valley, the stronger the scent was. It was then that he realized it was mixed with the scent of blood. Panic squeezed his heart, and he quickened his pace, terrified of the state he might find his wife in. As he came towards a turn in the path, her scent was even stronger, and he could smell rabbit, which hopefully meant she was in decent enough shape to be able to hunt, or that's what he chose to believe. 

As he made the turn, he saw her. It felt like his heart stopped for a moment and then started to race. Aquene? He closed the distance between them, only then noticing that her fur was matted with blood. Are you okay? he asked as he gently pushed his head into hers. He couldn't believe she was actually here. But she looked thin and he could tell she had been traveling for a while. I am so sorry, Aquene. He was sorry for everything she had to bear while they were apart. If he could have switched places with her, he would have without question.