Dimitri would have told her sooner, but frankly, he's been consumed with Fleetwood. She had been the only person during his withdrawal that he dared speak to, knowing she could tear him apart if the demons came for her blood. Fleetwood. Solid, stalwart Fleetwood. Loyal to the very end, and now within the earth's womb, resting eternal beneath this cursed land.

Would he ever return here? His daughters do not know this land as their home. They know the meadows of Avon. They know they are among the fae, though without Fable and Epona to tell the tales, there's only conjecture about the beliefs of the Goldencourtes. Dimitri wishes he had asked more questions.

But the speech is given. The remnants of Elysium look horrid. Exhausted, miserable, bitter. He glances between them. Once, he had dreams of leading them. Would that he had held onto those dreams tighter, that he had more force within the pack to make them follow him.

It's a mistake he would not repeat with Avon.

"I am certain that Dawnbreak will open to you," he starts. "Should you choose to go there, it is merely a short walk west. But all of you would be a tall order to ask of one pack. Therefore, as Protector of the Realm of Avon, I wish to extend our Kingdom's borders to a number of you as well."

They can't take everyone. Elysium's in too great of numbers for that, and he's not sure how much care the Elysium wolves would need. He does know that Verbena and Pennyroyal would likely be given priority within Avon's borders, given their relative health, and Pinesprings...

Well, Pinesprings did not have many kind words for the witch.

"Avon's borders are close enough to Dawnbreak that you would not all need be separated long. As soon as you're well, we can work as a group to restore Elysium to its former glory. All three packs, as one."

By then, the seasons should be big enough to not need constant care.

He glances between the remnants. "If you wish to return with me to Avon, let me know so that Spider and I can prepare for the journey home."