Altar of Twilight Never had so[M]eone to call my own

Atka turned to look at Dreven as Heph spoke, hopefully for any indication on what he thought. The silence that hung in the air reminded her of The Phantom Hollow as she held Dreven's red gaze, but it was broken.

I am Harbinger of Forsaken, second in command. One of my duties is to go to other packs, diplomatic missions shall we say. And we have allies in the Strath and surrounding areas. I will not limit your freedoms, as long as you bring information we can use, but be warned. I do not know what it will be used for. Malacath's thoughts and visions for the future are his own and he does not share them with me. And you are expected to protect the borders with teeth and claw, no matter who comes knocking. So if you cannot do this, don't go near the borders. Welcome to the Forsaken. Atka and Heph.

Atka closed her eyes, letting out a sigh. She herself wasn't sure if it was out of relief, or something else. Nonetheless, she smiled at Dreven. Her choice to be with him would not mean a goodbye with Heph any longer. Not that she knew what being with him really meant, but they offered each other what they had, and that was enough for her.

She was quiet for a moment. Atka wasn't sad, but she knew she was reentering her previous life in a sense. This pack was not good, but she knew they would become powerful. She had seemingly stepped into her past again. However, her departure was not because of the moral differences, the wolf that she felt obligated to stay for was killed. Atka would have those she felt obligated to stay for, which was more than enough. She would do what this pack asked and keep her head down.

❝Thank you, Dreven.❞ Her brows were furrowed as she thought, but her smile was still present.

Her thanks was sincere, whether or not Heph's welcome was out of the pack interest or not, Atka was grateful.

❝Are the rest of you big and scary?❞ Atka continued with a small laugh.

She tried to lighten the situation, but she knew much more awaited them.