If asked, Neha Vuesain wouldn't even have recognized herself anymore. She had changed. Not so much physically, but mentally and emotionally. The metamorphosis had all started that one day when Draven, her now ex-partner, confessed his lack of love towards her. Shortly afterwards, her only son, Sachiel, vanished. That was the final nail in the coffin. Her heart could take no more. It turned to stone slowly, rivets of ice creeping from the inside out. She showed no emotion other than silent depression or steely indifference towards the outside world. Deep down, she was hurting. Crying endless streams of hot tears, overcome with guilt. But she would not let the world know. Would not let them see. She was the first born Vuesain....she had always tried to be strong. Always tried to do what was right. And now here she was, a failure as a partner, a mother and a disgrace to her bloodline. There was no more lively spark left within her.
She belonged here, in these dark, twisting tunnels. They were empty and devoid of life, save for the colony of bats. She didn't bother them, and they didn't bother her. Alone in the never ending darkness, Neha almost felt comfortable. She was still trying to track down her son, but hadn't any idea of where he might have gone. Her best guess was to search in the opposite direction of Quaking Vale. He could have headed north or south, or even west, over the mountain. The thought of him crossing it alone made her sick with worry. He was just a youngster and with winter arriving, his chances of making the journey safely were slim. She may have grown up surrounded by the mountainous peaks, but he certainly had not. Several hours in to the cavernous tunnels, she realized that she would find no trace of Sachiel here. There was nothing here. Paws dragging along the cold, rocky floor, she hung her head defeatedly. Dead brown eyes stared at her paws, their white fur now dusted in dirt. Maybe she should give up. Assume that Draven had found him and move on. Or, forget this chapter of her life completely. Wouldn't that be so much easier? Exhausted in more ways than she could count, the fallen princess slumped down on the nearest craggy rock. This would be her new throne now, as her eyes fluttered shut while she waited to waste away.