Acheron

| Rogue | Male | Mentions: Fenrys

Acheron’s ears flicked as the breeze carried the faint, yet unmistakable scent of another wolf nearby. He paused, tensing, his muscles coiling with readiness. He remained hidden, moving quickly to a higher spot, his movements silent and fluid. His breathing slowed, tunnel vision locking onto the other male. Acheron wasn’t looking for a fight, but he would finish one if he had to. Thankfully, the loner had some surprisingly good de-escalation skills.

From his vantage point, Acheron could see a mixed gray-colored male standing in a pool of light. His nostrils flared, picking up the scent's nuances. The scent that the gray male carried indicated he was with the pack. It made Acheron squeeze his eyes shut, silently reprimanding himself for getting himself into pack territory.

Acheron watched intently as the male tried to piece together what had happened, his gaze fixed on the blood trail stark against the forest floor beneath him. The gray wolf moved cautiously, following the blood trail but frequently looking around, clearly on high alert. Before Acheron knew it, the male flipped—now staring where Acheron stood, causing him to stiffen. The gray wolf took a defensive position, half-crouched, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

Acheron knew he had to make his presence known before the situation escalated further. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, but he managed to keep his breathing steady. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, allowing himself to be partially visible. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. He could see the gray male's ears twitching, straining to catch any hint of movement.

"I mean no harm," Acheron called out, his voice steady and calm. The dark male's eyes locked onto the other’s crouched form, analyzing the next possible outcomes. "I was just passing through and found the blood trail. I thought it might lead to someone in need." His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his intentions.

Moving slowly, Acheron descended from the shadowy trees. His figure appeared to flicker as the shadows waxed and waned over his body. The shadows alternating between complete concealment and revealing his imposing figure in patches of sunlight filtering through the dense foliage above.

His head dipped in respect, though he held eye contact, showing he meant no harm but would not submit. He kept his posture relaxed but still ready, each step deliberate as he emerged from the shadows. The sunlight that managed to slip through the trees cast dappled patterns on his charcoal-gray fur, highlighting his powerful physique. He moved with the grace of a predator, every motion fluid and controlled.

"I travel alone and have no interest in your pack. I smelled blood and followed it here, nothing more," Acheron continued, his tone respectful yet firm. The dark brute could feel the tension simmering in the air, but Acheron held his ground, his gaze unwavering.

Despite the conversation ending, he could feel Wisteria's eyes on him, her concern like a weight pressing down on his chest. Her words about facing things together were comforting, but they also intensified his guilt. He wanted to confide in her, but the stakes were too high. Besides, if he found out..

"I know," he sighed out regarding her words. "It means a lot, Wisteria," he began, his voice lowering. "Really, it does. But some things.. some things are just too dangerous to share." He paused, glancing around, his tone a mere whisper. "Let's finish this," he said, voice gaining a bit more strength. "We'll make it perfect. And maybe, once everything is done, we can talk more." Right now, there were too many eyes. He didn't know who was observing from the shadows..

The thoughts were too dark for Régnar to proceed with. Instead, he plunged into his work, the task of decorating becoming his refuge. He draped kelp over branches and scattered shells, creating a pathway to the beach that led from the forest. He began small, the decorating becoming more intense the further Alari and Sikúnguak would walk. His plan was for it to be magical, as if the Gods themselves touched the area and blessed it.

When Wisteria agreed to finding white flowers, Régnar nodded, matching her enthusiasm. "Let's do it," he said, his voice steadier now. Motioning for her to walk alongside of him, he trotted through the woods. It didn't take long for him to espy yarrow growing. He recalled that it was in season, having learned that from Yèmiào. For a moment, his face dropped once more, eyes growing saddened at the thought of her. It was a medicinal plant, as she once told him. Useful for open wounds. For that reason, Régnar did not pick it. Instead, he would leave it. Yèmiào and Xiomar needed it more.

Continuing, he proceeded all but a few minutes before discovering a patch of snowdrops. "This could work," he muttered aloud, partially to Wisteria, and partially to himself. "I heard that they symbolize new beginnings, hope, and the ability to overcome challenges." Glancing to her, he nodded. "Let's grab some?" Gently, he picked a bundle, careful not to damage the petals. These were good flowers given the ceremony. In truth, they could not be better! He hoped that Yèmiào would be proud of him and his symbolism, after all it was she that taught him most of it. Perhaps she would even see it as a.. peace offering of sorts. His way of asking for forgiveness, even if he could not speak to her face-to-face. After all, who knows if he'd be watching.

He waited for Wisteria to grab her own batch before returning to the beach, scattering a few stems and flowers around. He made sure not to overdo it, wanting the lilies to be the main distraction.

"What do we think?" Content with the decorating, he turned to Wisteria, wanting her input. He was satisfied. It was pretty enough, with everything on his mental checklist being completed. As he surveyed the scenery, it was then when he caught sight of Lilith, Wisteria's own mentor. He liked Lilith. He respected her. It seemed that she was one of the few decorating, choosing to place stones in a line and collecting moss. It was a good idea, the moss. At least it would smell earthier. Between that and the flowers? It would be wonderful.

Gazing around once more, Régnar stiffened up the moment he saw Alari. Blinking, an array of feelings took over. His first thought was that he didn't want her to see the beach yet. He wanted it to be a surprise. For Sikúnguak, too. However, both had caught a glimpse. No matter, it would be a surprise regardless.

Glancing up at her again, he couldn't meet her gaze and quickly looked away, pretending to busy himself, pawing at the sand. The sight of Alari alone struck such guilt within him, that he could barely focus. She needed to know the truth. She deserved it. She knew how to keep a secret.. But a secret that big? No, she would do something about it, and Régnar couldn't let that happen. Perhaps Yèmiào could? She would understand, but truthfully, what could she do about it? Would his mother know what to do? No, she'd tell Alari. He couldn't tell Sikúnguak either. The Beta would get aggressive, and if that happened? It would ruin the day.

He was out of options. Nobody could help him.

He was only grateful that Alari departed soon after, to which he finally allowed himself to breathe. Gah, this was ruining him! He needed to do something about it!

He only had to figure out what.