Despite the winter that raked its claws over Relic Lore and all of its inhabitants, Albireo had nestled himself in and allowed himself to grow far too comfortable in the fold of Magnolia Glen. Not a single wolf here knew or even suspected that he had been on the run, nor had they questioned his past. Hidden beneath the shadow of a mountain, Albireo felt there was no way his past wrongs could haunt him here. Even as his brother inched closer to finding him, Albireo was convinced the harsh winter must have held him back. It was hard enough to scrape out a living with the help of a pack, and doing so alone and traveling seemed like it would be an impossibility.


But then he heard it, the sharp staccato of a single bark. While Albireo could never forget his brother's voice, he still could hardly believe it was actually him. It was surreal, and Al was almost convinced it was his mind playing tricks on him. Perhaps it was only the croak of a raven, or a branch breaking under the weight of snow. Of course he could just return to the den, hide within the safety the pack would provide against any intruders. But Al just had to know if it was truly him.


Albireo tread over the snow as quietly as his paws would allow, his breath shaky and shallow with tension. Unease burned in Al's belly, and a nervous odor was already emanating from his skin. He kept his head low, and just as he peeked his skull around the thick trunk of a birch he saw him, just a ways off in the distance. There was no mistaking him now, and despite his somewhat bedraggled appearance it was definitely Deneb. If Deneb turned his head just the right amount, he could surly see Albireo's face peeking out, or see Al's rear end protruding from the other side of the tree.


Albireo felt a flush of adrenaline, warm and electric, course through his veins. The last time he had seen his brothers face it had been twisted into the ugliest, most furious snarl Al had ever seen on anyone. Now, Deneb looked quite neutral, but Albireo didn't think that his brother had come to make any sort of amends. Slowly, with the greatest care to keep silent, Al began to back away. But then a clod of ice cracked underfoot.

In a flash the very thing Albireo had been running from for months was upon him. He started to run, paws clambering clumsily over snow and catching a hidden root. He used his momentum as he fell to turn himself, coming face to face with a furious pair of yellow eyes. His brother, often eloquent, could this time only sputter a question. What was Albireo to do? Apology was a repulsive thought that he quickly dismissed. Of the two, Deneb was the master of deception, but Albireo didn't see any reason he couldn't lie his way out of this either.


"I didn't even do anything!" Albireo whined as his posture began to sink. "It wasn't my fault! You know Pollux," Albireo shook his head, an uncanny giggle leaving his mouth that had been meant to be a amiable chuckle. "He was always getting into things! I just, I couldn't stop them, the little prince wants what he will! You know, I loved them just as much as you, I'd never touch a hair on their heads! I swear though! I had nothing to do with it! Nothing!" As a half formed defense tumbled haphazardly from his lips his voice pitched upwards to a shriek. Fear marked his countenance, with black lips pulled back into a tight toothy grin, and a circle of brilliant white bordering the muted brown of his irises. His body shook, and despite the open space at his back he felt cornered.

Albireo widened the distance that his brother closed, skittering backwards like a frightened cat. The black guard hairs bristled at his back in an attempt to puff himself up bigger than he was. He was trying to put up a formidable defense, but nerves and fear still rattled his limbs. He knew he could run, but a sort of slimy pride kept him hanging on to this awkward confrontation. The pack was a safety net at his back, one he could retreat to if things got out of hand. Albireo wasn't sure if he would call them friends, but what did it matter? They took him in with no questions asked, and that was enough for him. Though Al much preferred that his questionable past was kept out of Phineas reach, since he already didn't have much of the alpha's trust. Albireo decided to sidestep Deneb's question with more of his own.


"Well, what do you think I am I then? You seem to have all the answers, but then why seek me out?" Albireo growled, his pearly teeth clacking together in defiance. Him and Deneb had always had an understanding as brothers, as partners... had. Now, Albireo didn't care if he caused pain towards his own kin. "Besides, your darling must be getting lonely, with you leaving her behind to chase me down." Albireo taunted, an ugly sneer on his face. If lies couldn't shake his brother off, maybe he could guilt him into leaving. He knew Deneb's mate couldn't have come with, not smelling her on Deneb's coat at all.