He felt the nervous pang in his heart as he awaited her answer. He felt bonded to Devika in some way, and did not want to leave her alone unless that is what she desired. Yet he did not want to impose himself either. It felt so tricky. They had just met, but he knew what felt right. It was not right to leave her by herself. No one should have to go through that unless they choose it.

He noticed the change in her face when he mentioned pack. He felt his lips tug a bit to mirror hers. The teachings warned him of many different cultures and ways to live, and not everyone will be from packs nor want to be in them. He wondered if she had a bad experience in the past. Being a wordless one is not an easy task, and he was told of how others may not treat those like Devika without kindness…a thing he simply did not understand in any capacity.

He finds his molten eyes still looking at her with great hope and anticipation. He wished he duty did not tell him that he must return to them and learn their ways, at least for a few moons. But he must do what the stars cast him here to do. He feels the puff in his chest decrease a bit, but just then she gave him a nod with a sparkle in her eye.

His tail began to wag, and she rubbed herself along his side. He watched in surprise, his eyes following her as she did so. Was this her way of confirming? The mixing of scents? He took note of this, and then after she nipped his shoulder, he repeated her action unto her. He gently pressed himself against her along her side, and ended with a nip upon her shoulder.

”This one is glad we’ll keep walking the path side by side.” he said happily.”Is this the custom of welcome among your kin...the rite by which one is received?” he asks curiously, tail still waving behind him with a grin that refuses to remove from his gentle face.

His response set her tail swaying with delight. At his question, she nodded without hesitation. This was how her people expressed connection, through the mingling of scents, a silent pledge of unity and loyalty. She had never been able to share such a bond before, which made the moment all the more precious. From now on, she would follow him faithfully, at least until he chose to send her away.

That thought carried its own weight, but she was prepared to face the challenges it brought. The anxiety of meeting others, of adapting to unfamiliar customs, still lingered like a shadow at the edge of her thoughts. Yet curiosity pressed her forward. She wanted to learn.

A grin spread across the ghost’s face as she circled him with playful energy, nipping at him lightly. Already she felt a lift in her spirit, a brightness she had never known. Her attention shifted to the direction he had indicated, the path leading to his kingdom. How far was it? How far had he drifted on his wanderings before finding her?

Her head tilted, ears twitching as she considered the journey. Should they set out now? Or did Duskbreaker still have unfinished business here? She turned her gaze back to the giant, her curiosity shining like a flame.

There was still much he was unsure of, and he wondered now if it was right to bring Devika into it. She is not of his people or bound to their rules. Did she deserve to go through with following him? He supposed it was her choice in the end, but he felt responsible for making sure she felt welcome when the places they go may be filled with uncertainty.

”What lies ahead, this one cannot say. This one has known but little time within this pack, for his paws have been set to scouting, tracing the shape of the lands beyond. To them, you shall be near as new as this one,” he said to her, wanting her to understand the true nature of what she is getting into.

”Those this one has met seemed of kind nature…and may that kindness flow through the whole of their pack,” he said hopefully, tail wagging behind him as she circled playfully. He bounces a little in response, but has always been aware that his large form. Eyes drifted back to where they would need to go.

”Has your thirst been eased? When you are ready, we shall walk to the meadow,” he asked, taking a step to drink the cold water once more. There was water on the way if they needed, but he had got an odd feeling about the area east of here when he was traveling up this way. Something had seemed off, but he had not really investigated it. He knew not if the oddness has traveled closer to their location and if they would need to pass through it, so he wanted to ensure they were well hydrated. He lifted his head, water touching his maw with droplets as he looked to Devika to ensure she was ready for their journey south, tail gently waving behind him the whole time.

Oh boy. He was so new to this pack. How would that affect her presence? Would they reject her for her oddities? Would they take kindly to him bringing in strange loners? Would they see her as a threat—worse yet, treat her like one? Devika froze, her spirit dimming as the questions swirled through her mind. The lack of answers gnawed at her, stoking the silent beast’s anxiety.

But… he would be there. That had to count for something, didn’t it? Even if they didn’t accept her, she could linger nearby, offering help however she could. It didn’t need to be so black and white. Still, the thought of being separated from him set her on edge, stirring up more uncertainty, more questions.

With a soft sigh and a shake of her painted head, she pushed the thoughts aside. She was doing this. She was going with him. Turning back to the water, she bent to quench her thirst before lifting her head toward the path he had gestured to. Her icy gaze flicked to him, hesitant, but resolute. She would follow where he led.