The man of scales and tails listened to Artemis’ reverie. He liked her voice. Kaleidoscope, Mayfire, Zero. The names of her children. When she began to cry, he quickly stepped forward to comfort her. “Oh, no. I’m not the type to string others along. And I’m very sorry for your strife. It seems harsh, to lose all your children that way. And as for your mate, if he really did leave you for some stupid reason, as opposed to dying . . . I’d say he isn’t the right one for you.” Remus sat quietly beside her. “Artemis, I truly don’t wish to cause you harm. If you like, I can leave.” He hoped that wasn’t her answer, but if she wished it so, he’d respect that. Remus was also socially awkward nowadays, unless he was around his family. He was used to his blind eye, but he was conscious of it, and strangers had a tendency to stare and remark. And he was embarrassed that no, he had not gained the injury in a war, but fighting for a girl whom he had then lost. Larentia . . . he found time to think about her every day. He wondered what had become of her. Beneath Beartooth’s grip, no doubt. Or dead. . . .
Truthfully, Remus had accepted that she was far away,out of his possible reach. A mother, probably. Passed, maybe. Grandmother, perhaps.
None of that mattered. Not here, and not now. If Larentia was alive, she’d find her own way.
Here, Remus had to focus on Artemis. The weeping Colupus had pulled at Remus’ heartstrings. He knew it, the feeling of loss-he and Danya had lost Tiberias; they’d lost Ozro, Neverbloom, Calvin. . . .

"Pain makes you stronger!"