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"It's beautiful today, isn't it?" Wolfaraine asked, breaking the silence that developed between them.

"Yes, it is." She affirmed, her eyes unconsciously taking in the details of every tree within sight.

"These past few weeks have not been easy. The death of Andras and his family..." He shook his head, "All because there is a killer roaming free out there. A killer that hasn't been caught."

For the first time he was talking about it, Ismena thought. It gave her mixed feelings; she was happy that he decided to talk to her about it, but at the same time, she was feeling very sad because of what happened.

"I know all this must be hard for you." She empathized in a sad tone.

"Of course it is. I am their Alpha King, Ismena. My people should not be dying. The killer should be caught, not roaming around free and looking for who else to kill."

"I'm sorry to hear that. How is the search for him going?"

"Dead ends. He is covering his tracks well. This killer is not a Wild One. No, his senses are complete. So, he is covering his tracks really well. There's no scent. No tracks. Nothing."

He spoke in a calm tone, but she could feel the anger reverberating through him. The rage in his blue eyes was like wildfire.

"I know he will be caught." Ismena said strongly, "One day, he's going to slip up and he's gonna get caught. They always slip up. Always."

Wolfaraine did not think it was possible, but her words gave him a little bit of comfort. "What makes you so sure?"

"That is how it is, Wolfaraine. Killers like this psycho are egoistic maniacs, that's what they do. There are a lot of them in my world. They think they have become professionals, so they stop putting in too much effort. And that is when they slip up. They always get careless, especially when they start feeling smug about their 'professionalism'."

She was right. It does make him feel better. "Thank you, Ismena."

She only grinned at him. "So, stop beating yourself up too much. You will catch him, I know you will."

They walked in silence for a few moments before she asked, "How are things going with Nalaila?"

"I decided to give her some time. Since, she does not want to go out yet, I thought I should give her some more time. Who knows? She might change her mind in a few months." He replied with a hint of sadness.

Ismena does not know how to tell him about her progress with her, without being suspicious. "I think you should try again soon. Try tonight...or tomorrow morning. Anytime. Who knows? She might have changed her mind."

He smiled. It was not a 'happy' smile. "If only things worked like that, Ismena. I just visited her a few days ago. It's going take nothing short of a miracle for her to change her mind so soon."

"But, at least you should try again, Wolfaraine. I know it's hard but—"

"No." He stopped suddenly, cutting her off, "No, you don't know how hard it is. I see her there... Barely alive. With no will to eat, to drink...to live. You have no idea how hard it is, Ismena."

Then, you resumed walking, "I am not giving up on my sister. I will keep trying. But, she needs time. I..." He paused. He swallowed tightly, "I...need time."

The last part of that statement was whispered so low, that Ismena had a hard time hearing what he was saying. But, she did.

And, she understood.

"Oh..." God, she felt stupid, "I'm so sorry, Wolfie."

His eyes took in the blue sky, and the beautiful tree surrounding them. "If I'm going to force my own sister, against her own will... then, I need time. I need time to make peace with it. I need time to get accustomed to it." He took a deep breath, "I need time to get myself to think that it would stop hurting."

She stopped and grabbed hold of his strong hand—pulling it from behind his back towards her lower belly.

She squeezed firmly, "Do not think like that! Do not hurt yourself like that! You are NOT doing her any wrong. You are just trying to save her life. Anyone who loves his own sister will do the same thing, so stop beating yourself up for it."

He looked at his large hand in her pale, dainty ones.

"Whatever the reasons are, Ismena, it does not change the fact that I am going to do something to her, against her will. Again." He stated without emotion in his voice.

Then, he slowly withdrew his hand from hers and continued walking.