Vektren's bloody triumph against Aryn came at a price on the banks of the Muckrun. Some wolves were injured. At least one was confirmed dead. And there were others who simply... vanished.

He didn't anticipate when he left Hestia at the border that it would be the last time he'd ever see her.
He didn't understand how Epione could leave when the pack needed its head Magister more than ever.

Weeks later, long after his cuts have healed over, there is still a wound in Phaeton's heart. He still travels out to the edge of the marsh once in a while, hoping for some sort of closure.