Shuffling forward once more, the wolf released a choked gasp as he watched his mate step into the lake. The waters were unsettled about her; they seemed to roar. "What the he-" Tlarx pressed his hind paws into the soil, pushing himself forward. Fear ripped at him; adrenaline began to flow. His ears pressed against his head and a sharp pain began to pang through his skull. The rain continued to sting at his face like little hornets. Growing numb, the wolf parted his jaws, deep voice yelling "Athena!!!!"

He felt himself slip on the wet grass, but he regained his balance instantly as he continued to spur towards his beloved. He began to huff heavily, breath steamy in the freezing air. It was taken away by the harsh winds just as soon as it was exhaled from his lungs. As he neared his woman, the wolf skid at the edge of the water, front paws splashing in. It was freezing. His heart pounded heavily within his chest, feeling as if it was to bust his ribcage wide open.

Jaws wide, he didn't even think. He leaped in at her, clamping himself around her nape. She was small; this was not difficult. The water splashed at his face, and he winced, nostrils widening desperately for air. Dark eyes closed as he jerked his head back, feeling her weight begin to come with him. He worked himself backwards now, almost stumbling a few times in the water before he felt the solid earth beneath his hind limbs.

He was like a living icicle. With his muscles shaking, he dragged her onto the shore, placing her down once only her tail remained in the water. Releasing her, he began to pant once more, frustration and fear like a whirlwind within him. He immediately lowered his head, pink toned tongue working at her face, then behind her ears. His own ears remained pressed down the whole time. After a few minutes, his voice was low and concerned "Athena...what were you doing??" He did not sound angry, no.... more so concerned and disappointed. His woman was stronger than this.

He listened to her words now, and he could not believe what he was hearing. Disappointment fluttered aimlessly through his heart like a trapped butterfly. The wings of said butterfly withered away and the insect fell as the last words echoed through his mind "They don't need me anymore." Feeling himself lurch forth, he nuzzled at his mate. "Do I know you?" He asked, teasing lightly- an attempt at shedding light upon the situation.

"You see... the Athena I know... she is brilliant. She may be small, but she has one hell of a personality. She is strong both mentally and physically. There is no obstacle she cannot overcome. I am proud to call her my mate. Athena Everfall; she is a wondrous wolf, I must say." His eyes were soft on her; his heart yearning for her regular self to return. "Would you care to give her back? Her pack needs her. Just because this Naira wolf has returned, does not mean.... shit, honestly." He grunted at the thought of the now lowest wolf. The ex-leadess. She left on her own; that was her problem.

"I need my Athena to keep this pack going strong. We are an unbreakable pair. Poison Path is ours." He held still now, face sincere yet serious as he gazed at his mate.