It felt as though the wolf standing before him was a stranger and their encounter was nothing more than a simple business meeting. He felt awkward and comfortable, but a part of him also felt relieved. Perhaps this was what Inna needed. Lachesis did not know if the raven could ever return to the way she used to be, but perhaps she could deal with some of her baggage and overcome it. Become better than she had been in the past. He wished that for her, because as much as things had changed between them, he did not want any harm to come to her. She deserved so much better—as did the river wolves. Which was why they were leaving the Kingswood behind.

No, thank you for your time. He dipped his head at her words, his chartreuse gaze lingering on her dark figure as she continued to speak. He knew that this was likely the last time he would see her, as they would moving within the next few days. It was a bittersweet goodbye, for it should not have come to this. Things should have been the same between them.

But things had changed. She had. He had. Even Hearthwood had changed. Good luck to you as well, Inna, he responded, offering her a half smile before she turned away. He remained where he was until her dark shape disappeared from few, his ears folded against the back of his crown. A heavy sigh escaped him before he turned into the opposite direction, toward the Ethos to seek some solitude before returning to his wife…

Fade.