Ah dearest Valeska. What on earth did he ever do to deserve such a faithful friend and leader? Cyrus could feel her coming close to him, feel her warmth as she pressed against him in the most motherly fashion. It surprised him in a way, brought back feelings he never thought would come back. In that moment, he was that little gold pup again, crying for his mother and wishing that she could take away all the hurt that his life had caused him. And she very much did.

Valeska was now doing the same thing. The tears still came, but smaller this time. He did his best to calm himself down as her voice broke the chilling silence. The name that spilled from Aelia's mouth, soon came from her mother's. Though this time with more disdain but didn't seem surprised. Cyrus kept quiet about the male, not really in the mindset to speak of someone that has unknowingly caused him so much grief. Instead he listened more to Valeska's words, honed in on her voice as it pulled him back from the brink of annihilation.

I would never lie to you. I would be a disgrace further, to betray the trust of such a friend. Cyrus meant what he said, never imagining that he would cause such further pain to those that had put so much faith in him. He turned to face her as she moved back again briefly. I do very much still want to stay with this pack. This is my home, it feels like it's always been my home. Even with the troubles that I have been through here. So long as I am wanted and needed here, I will never go.

This was the only home that he knew. Where else would he even go? Cyrus nodded as she spoke of how pain and hurt can make others say things that they might not mean, or that they will regret. It made him glad that he didn't strike back when he had the chance. Words were just as powerful and painful as physical harm, sometimes even more so. That was a lesson that Aelia would now have to learn. But he would also have to learn to, learn to listen and learn to put his own needs and desires aside. If she is willing to see me without scorn, and we have both healed and moved on, I will gladly ask her of him. I will do anything to make sure that she is heard and seen. But this time, if she so wishes it, just as a friend. Something that he very much wasn't so sure of right now.