Myranda was actually very happy that she was so very, very tired once the pyre had died down, and their sister's bones had been interred into the earth. It was easier to fall asleep that way, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to.
Metas was so warm, and smelled so good that the intoxicating effect from just holding her close to him helped lull her into sleep. It was extra soothing as his fingers ran through her strands of hair slowly even after her eyes had closed.
Her breath shattered each time she took in, or let out air. Had Metas not been there to run his hands up and down her back, and hold her, she would have become just like her breath - broken.
Even after she fell asleep, he stayed in his position and kept her warm and protected in his embrace. Sleep wasn't finding him, unlike the rest of his company. His thoughts turned over and over on how he was going to save Syri, and how much he was going to love her as his own. Every thing he said to Syrana was a promise he intended to fulfill. If Syri was happy living with him and Myranda in the castle, he would let her pick any room in the whole place - even the master. All that mattered from this point on was righting all the wrongs Silas had pulled her through.
It was hard to find peace when his mind was such a landmine of battles that needed to be won. They'd need to get into the mountain again, gather his supporters, find Syri and secure her with someone in his trusted circle, infiltrate the castle, and then challenge Silas in front of as many of the pack as he could. Victory wasn't optional from that point.
After that, he'd make sure everyone was treated equally, those responsible punished, and then he'd Accept Myranda in front of the entire kingdom. They'd live a peaceful, happy life - have a small litter of pups, and raise them along with Syri with warmth and safety.
...and if there was still time in all of that, he wanted to take a trip to the Protean kingdom and knock some sense into one of his close friends from his days as an active royal member....AND if there was a miracle and time, he'd find approval in Syri's future mate...but he was already in the mode that no one would be good enough for her.
Goddess, he wanted to sleep so badly. He really, really did.
"Can't sleep, either?" Joss asked from nearby in a quiet voice.
"No..." Metas replied with a bit of defeat.
"I don't think either of us will for a while. Are you absorbing her pain, too?" Joss said with fatigue.
"Of course I am - and you're doing the same. There isn't much we can do to fix this, but giving them a peaceful rest is one we can. I'm sure we'll catch up soon. Did you really leave Syri in a safe place?" Metas returned with concern.
"Yes. I left her with my twin sister. She's the smartest wolf I've ever met or known. If anyone can keep her safe, it's Jess" he assured his alpha.
"Thank you. Jyriah and Myranda are lucky to have you, and so am I" Metas replied with a smile that could be heard.
"I'm the lucky one. Being able to keep the one I love safe, and heading a revolution? I've seriously dreamed of changing the kingdom for a long time. To be apart of it is honestly a reward in itself" Joss wasn't just being charming - he was being honest as well. Unlike most false platitudes offered to Metas for most of his life, no one amongst them now was anything but loyal.
"What do we do tomorrow?" Metas asked out loud what he meant to say to himself. He was so tired.
"Use it wisely," Joss answered easily and with a wee bit of sarcasm.
Metas let out one soft laugh in agreement, but sighed afterwards.
"How do we do that? I'm a little tired right now, and I'm not thinking to my full ability. I have ideas, but not how to execute them yet," Metas was being quite candid for an alpha - it was well known that the one who was the head of the kingdom typically never shared their weaknesses or lack of prowess.
Joss was more than impressed, and if the alpha could see, he would note that Joss' smile was one of content and acceptance. It was nice to feel needed. I was nice to feel useful. That was the thing that gravitated Joss to Metas the most - his willingness to be honest and trust in those he held close.
If he could just help his alpha maintain the kingdom once they took over again, Joss would be able to live a fulfilled life. Textiles was great and all - and he certainly had a talent for it, but using the mind was what Joss was most passionate about. With Metas actually allowing him to use his talent, it only made him want to help the powerful wolf more and more.
It was funny how accepting he felt in the middle of the woods, as a fugitive, in a cold cave, while mourning the loss of his pack-sister. The dichotomy of feelings made him feel a little guilty, but at the same time - everyone needed something to hold onto in the dark.
In this case, literally as Joss fingers ran trough Jyriah's soft, hair that felt like the softest grass one could lay on. The scent from his hair helped the 'ice' half of the duo feel empowered and strong, even now.
"Do you think you'd be happier as a demon, or a selkie or something? Weird question, but since we can't sleep anyway..." Joss offered in order to help steer Metas' mind elsewhere. The alpha needed a break, and there was no way he would be able to just get him to stop swirling around in his own mind. Hopefully, this would distract both of them until they could fall asleep.
"Hah. Never. Being from the earth and moon is the best. My friend Vincent can turn into a wyvern, and I'd still prefer to be a wolf," Metas answered easily. "What about you?"
"Nah, it's the best being a wolf. I do sometimes wonder what it's like to be nymph or one of those elves from the far-off forest, but only for a day or so. Anything else feels weird," Joss answered casually.
"There is one thing I think I'd be for more than a day - a dragon," Joss added with a bit of wonder in his voice.
"Ah, if only. They've been gone for a long time. I know Vincent's mother was a dragon, but only half...." Metas mused out.
"Really? I didn't know that. I thought they were all gone," Joss marveled.
"They are now, but apparently there were some half-breeds in a village somewhere," Metas replied, in hopes he could give Joss some kind of knowledge that would never make it to the tunnels.
"Wow. I wish I could know more. Any chance you'd let me look at some of the books in the castle when we've succeeded?" Joss asked with hope.
"Joss, my brother - you can take all the books from the libraries and do as you please with them. Every wolf here may ask whatever they want of me when we're done. If that's still want you want, then that is what I will grant."
"Metas...I'm not sure what to say. I know you'll honor your word, and it's a little overwhelming."
"You needn't say a word. Just know that my gratitude for your help will be unending, and I will always be here for you, just as you all have been here for me," Metas said with a nice, calming tone.
Their conversation had actually helped a lot for both of them, and while neither of them fell asleep immediately, they were eventually able to fade off into the drowsiness of sleep.