The Imperator remained gazing stoically at his two subordinates, their numbers were dwindling right at the start of winter which was unexpected, odd and was not suppose to happen. The less wolves they had, the less chance they had of surviving through this icy season, where did Farkas, Tiberius and all the others go? But did that matter now? No, they had to hunt more often and shelter together, the warmth, safety and comfort of the pack would still be there for them. He would be there for them, until his last breath on this land. Shadow would not abandon his subordinates, a good leader would not save his own life first, he would make sure Flash, Crëyr, Silvermane, Vector and the others (if there were others) would not die this season.
The Roman offered the tawny boy and the silver welsh wolf a smile, faint but reassuring.
Shadow stretched and shook himself, a kind of resigned determination. He knew there was absolutely no way to have Paar as his mate again. But he could try. Though his main purpose was just to talk to her again, understand her motives for leaving and say goodbye. For he still loved her, no matter what happened, and Shadow knew that even if he managed to love again, a small part of him would always love her, he had sold that part to her, and she kept it.
He let her keep it.