It'd been days since he'd seen her, the image of his daughter. Her ghost had seemed to haunt him, chasing him from his isolation. Now she was gone, like she'd never been there at all. Perhaps she hadn't. It pained him at first, as if he'd lost her yet again. The mourning had returned, the anguish and deep sorrow. He could hardly survive it, could hardly breathe anymore.
Now he was numb to it. Dead inside.
He was breathing, so he was still alive. Whether that was a good thing or not was still debatable. He'd lost his first and only mate, and his precious little girl; what more was there for him? Why did his heart refuse to stop. As he'd done countless times before, he wondered why he couldn't have been the one to die and spare them.
His eyes shut slowly, neck curled and face tucked low. A dark curtain of mane and forelock shielded him from everything but the pain. No, there was no pain. Just emptiness.
Someone approached steadily, as if he wasn't even there. No hesitation. He thought the beast within him would lash out, as he normally would, but instead it lay dormant in his mind. Silent and watchful. Lying in acquiescence. Acceptance.
He frowned. That the creature would allow someone near was strange. His hard eyes lifted to see who -or why. Staring coldly, it was a long moment before recognition swept over his face before disappearing.
Ainlif held still, and watched her come, oblivious to his presence just like the last time they met. He nearly shook his head; had he not warned her before? He had to admit, he was a little curious why the one locked away in his mind did not react to her.
She tagged him hard, then met his gaze. Mild amusement lit his eyes.
Oh my. I can't seem to stop myself from bumping into you and your dangerous parts.
He glared at her mocking words, but felt no heat in it. Maybe his senses were too dulled to rouse his darker side. Subdued, sedated. Or perhaps he was just getting old. His gaze blatantly scrutinized every inch of her figure as she continued talking, silently considering how much younger she might be. Pure curiosity, was all it was.
"Though I'll admit I don't mind, not one bit. I don't think I managed to catch your name last time, though."
A corner of his mouth quirked upward just a hint, so subtle. Revol, she introduced. He ignored her unasked question and instead replied with his own.
"I thought I mentioned these parts are dangerous." His voice was firm, but like his glare, held none of the heat she'd previously seen from him. All of his attention was directed at her, full assault, even his dark ears faced her boldly in waiting.