Swiftcurrent Creek No more hiding

He hadn't fooled himself into thinking that things would magically go back to normal once Zephyr and Helios returned home. There had still been a lot of damage done to the entire family, the older children most of all. Even he found himself finding it hard to move past just how difficult the last few weeks had been. In addition to that, he now worried constantly about how his formerly missing son and daughter would integrate back into the pack given everything that had happened. He didn't expect anyone to act like nothing happened. But he also wanted Helios and Zephyr to still feel welcome in their home, and since he couldn't be with them every second, it was hard for him to be sure of that.

He was lost in his worried thoughts as he made his way to the borders, hoping that patrolling would take his mind off his grumbling, empty stomach. But Lainie's scent nearby made him stop. She had been avoiding him lately, and he hadn't pressed her on it, wanting to give her space to deal with things if that was what she wanted. But, she was close by now, and he couldn't resist the urge to check on her. 

Kavik found her sniffling over a stick, her scent tainted with blood and tears. Concern twisted his face as he made his way to her. Lainie? he said gently. What's wrong? The question came as he settled at her side and softly touched his nose to her cheek. Tears from his children tore at his soul like nothing else could.