If she thought losing someone in the past was hard, it was nothing compared to the pain she felt now. Never had she been the one at the helm of a pack that was mourning and it was almost as if everyone elses heartbreak was added onto her own. Even worse was seeing her children's broken faces and sad eyes when she knew the cause behind what they were feeling. Jessie felt as if she were in a state of statis, unable to move with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Drestig kept her calm and grounded, reminded her of the reason they had founded this pack. Now she just felt a little bit lost.

The Rye Queen was sitting by the oak tree, near the communal den. It reminded her of home but did little to give her a semblance of what the forest provided for her. The woman's peace was interrupted when her Second approached. Small grey ears flicked and dull emerald eyes met the mismatched gaze of Adelayde, whose intent, it seemed was to be the Queen herself. Eyebrows lifted but it felt like it took so much effort. Lips parted, "Adelayde, what can I do for you?"